Wildfires Sweep Across West Coast
October 8, 2020
A gender reveal sparked an enormous wildfire during Labor Day weekend that has spread throughout much of California. The smoke from this wildfire even made its way to North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
This happened in a matter of weeks. Due to the current drought plaguing Rhode Island, the state is susceptible to fires as well. Although the fires from California are not directly impacting the ocean state, Rhode Islanders are looking to help those in need.
“As citizens, this affects us because it will require a national response to help the people who have lost their home or are displaced,” Mrs. Rachel Sliwkowski says. “It will take a very long time for those regions to recover. They are still recovering from the fires last year and this has only made it worse.”
As of September 18, the fire has covered over 20,000 acres of land. The trees being destroyed have been releasing carbon dioxide into the air which plays a big factor in climate change. If these fires keep happening, climate change will only get more intense.
“We need less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is why it is important to reduce our carbon footprint via vehicle emissions, business, commerce etc.” Mrs. Sliwkowski says. “These fires will only enhance the effects of climate change that we are already witnessing. Without change, this will worsen drastically in years to come.”
As the fires continue to spread, they are being slowly contained. Sixty-six percent of the fires have been put out. Despite this, the California fires continue to put citizens in danger and destroy countless homes.