WNKY News 40 Weather Reports: California Wildfire Risks

Wildfires Continue Across Southern California.

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

Southern California is challenged by numerous wildfires, spreading out of control, leaving mass destruction in the pacific palisades. California is familiar to wildfires, which occur annually, burning tens of thousands of acres. California faces severe drought and strong Santa Ana Winds which promote the blaze’s rapid spread. More than ten thousand homes and structures are turned to rubble. Retired LAPD Lieutenant Jeff Wenninger says mitigating this risk could have reduced the consequences of this natural disaster.

“Nothing could have been done to prevent the fire and some damage. But mitigating factors could have had an impact and saved a number of people’s homes and businesses. Whether it’s on civil unrest, it’s earthquakes, it’s fires, floods.. All of those are critical things that oftentimes and can be predicted. ” Wenninger said. 

Wenninger mentioned that in Los Angeles, there’s not enough focus on these hazards, which should always be on the radar.

“And how that can be addressed would be to have an emergency management director for the City of Los Angeles. “ -Wenninger  

Wenninger agrees that a collaborative effort is needed among agencies to ensure maximized efforts to effectively to respond to natural disasters.

Kentucky experiences seasonal wildfire hazards.  According to Brandon Howard, Kentucky State Forester. The spring forest fire hazard season begins February 15th.