Wildfires in California are becoming more frequent and destructive, with September often bringing the most dangerous conditions, writes Danika Buttron in the student newspaper at Helix Charter High School in San Diego.
(Project LM / Flickr Creative Commons)Danica’s report highlights how drought, high temperatures, and powerful Santa Ana winds create an environment where even the smallest spark — from a campfire or cigarette — can spread quickly. Fires like the 2023 Bridge Fire, which burned more than 56,000 acres, illustrate just how severe these blazes can be.
She explains that millions of Californians now live in areas affected by drought, making preparedness a key part of daily life. Emergency officials recommend signing up for local alert systems, such as Alert San Diego, and taking advantage of outreach from Cal Fire to learn about safety and evacuation procedures.
Students and families are encouraged to have disaster plans that cover not only wildfires but also other natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
Practical steps include assembling a “go bag” stocked with essentials, such as medications, identification, money, chargers, first aid supplies, and personal items. This preparation can help reduce stress and improve safety in the event of an evacuation.
Ultimately, the article emphasizes that while California’s wildfire season is unavoidable, individuals can take meaningful steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
