Raging Inferno: LA Fires Spark Suspicion Amid Unnatural Spread
The current LA fires have raised suspicions about their causes, but as of now, investigations are still ongoing. The Los Angeles Fire Department has reported that the fires are being fueled by severe Santa Ana winds, a windstorm, and drought conditions.
While the extremely dry conditions and powerful winds have contributed to the rapid spread of the fires, the exact causes of the fires are still unknown. The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, and Sunset Fire are some of the notable fires currently burning in the Los Angeles area.
It’s worth noting that in recent years, some wildfires in California have been caused by human activity, such as arson or accidental ignition from electrical equipment or discarded cigarettes. However, until the investigations are complete, we can’t say for certain what caused the current LA fires.
The Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD is a prime example. This devastating fire burned for six days, destroying much of the city. Emperor Nero was initially blamed for the fire, but it was later discovered that Nero’s opponents had started the fire to discredit him. This incident highlights the importance of thorough investigations and not jumping to conclusions.
Another notable example is the Peshtigo Fire in 1871, which killed over 1,200 people and burned 16 towns in Wisconsin, USA. Initially thought to be caused by a lightning strike, investigations later revealed that the fire was started by human activity, likely accidental, but possibly intentional. This fire remains one of the deadliest in US history, and its cause serves as a reminder of the importance of investigating the root causes of such disasters.
In recent years, there have been several instances of wildfires being intentionally started by humans. The Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, the California Wildfires in 2018, and the Australian Bushfires in 2019-2020 are just a few examples. These incidents resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and environmental destruction. The fact that some of these fires were intentionally lit by arsonists underscores the need for vigilance and thorough investigations.
The Greek Forest Fires in 2018, which killed 102 people and forced thousands to evacuate, is another example of a devastating fire that was initially thought to be caused by natural factors. However, investigators later found evidence of arson in several cases. This incident highlights the importance of considering all possible causes of a fire, including intentional human activity.
As the investigation into the LA fires continues, it is essential to keep an open mind and consider all possible causes. The examples mentioned above demonstrate that initial assumptions about natural causes can sometimes be incorrect, and that thorough investigations are crucial in determining the root causes of such disasters.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from the University of Abuja Nigeria.
