The state of California is suffering devastating wildfires from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, with the most dangerous of them setting ablaze Northern California in both Napa and Sonoma counties.
Thousands of structures have been damaged, thousands of people have been evacuated out of their homes, and sadly, several have been killed by the blaze.
Fire is not always a bad thing for the environment, as it is a natural act of the environment sustaining itself. Fire helps in the replenishment of nutrients in the soil and can assist in clearing away dead trees, creating space for new ones.
However, the extent at which the fires have grown in Northern California are proving to be more than that, and are in fact harming our environment greatly.
Besides the destruction to homes, buildings, and wildlife habitats, the fires are releasing toxic smoke in the air and polluting our environment. The smoke trail can carry on for several thousands of miles, leaving an immense carbon footprint.
The impact that these fires will have on California will last years. An unbalance to plant growth, harmful weed and grass growth, and loss of species are just a few of the likely impacts to come.
While Sonoma county residents will eventually regain control and begin the rebuilding process of their homes and their lives, due to the adverse effects of these fires, life will never quite be the same.
This community, made up with hundreds of thousands of residents, will certainly remain strong. However, they need help from other sources.
For more information on resources and organizations that are helping provide relief from the fire, check out the list of links on the California Community Foundation’s website listed below:
https://www.calfund.org/norcal-wildfire-relief/
By Caitlin Gomez