Читать книгу Urban Trails East Bay - Alexandra Kenin - Страница 14

Unfortunately, wildfires are part of life in California, and the East Bay is far from immune to these disasters. In 1991, a catastrophic fire raged through the Oakland Hills, destroying nearly 3500 homes and killing twenty-five people. In recent years, the impact of wildfires has become more severe due to winter rains driving more plant growth in spring. When these plants dry out in the summer and fall due to lack of rainfall, they serve as kindling when a wildfire does break out. Increased temperatures mean that plants are drying out faster, and rainy seasons are starting later than before—both due to climate change. While natural causes (like lightning strikes) can cause wildfires, most wildfires are caused by humans. That’s why it’s more important than ever to leave no trace (see Outdoor Ethics later in this introduction for more information).