California Anticipates More Wildfire, Governor Attributes Blaze To Global Climate Change
Lemuel Cacho | | May 19, 2014 01:16 PM EDT |
The wildfires that ravaged San Diego, California last week were successfully put out on Saturday, but state officials warned that there might be more to come.
Firefighters scoured what's left of the hillsides of San Diego to ensure no flames would reappear. The state lifted all evacuation orders on Sunday and tens of thousands of evacuees were allowed to return home.
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Authorities said, the breadth of the destruction spanned 39 miles. It destroyed at least 47 houses, three businesses and an 18-unit apartment. One burnt body was found in a transient camp, while a firefighter suffered from heat and exhaustion.
"We're getting ready for the worst," said California Gov. Jerry Brown during an interview with ABC's 'This Week.'
During the interview, Brown informed viewers that the state currently has 5,000 firefighters. He said that the city of San Diego has already appropriated US$600 million to fight wildfires, but he showed concern the budget may not be enough for future blazes.
Brown said they're getting ready for the worst that could happen during this wildfire season. He said the state will need an extensive firefighting capacity.
Staffing of San Diego's firefighting agency reached its peak during the first week of last month. This is in itself groundbreaking considering that staffing of the agency usually begins during mid-May each year.
The governor said additional firefighters in the thousands may be needed in the foreseeable future considering that climate change is making the weather hotter in California.
This year alone, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection put out more than 1,500 wildfires. The number of wildfire incidents this year is much higher than the yearly average of 800.
The damage of the blaze was estimated to cost more than US$20 million. High temperatures, gusty winds and low humidity were said to have triggered the wildfires last week.
Tagswildfire, Jerry Brown, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, San Diego, natural disaster
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