The uncontrolled fire is referred to as wildfire or forest fire. It occurs anywhere, but mostly in unpopulated and wild areas, affecting wildlife more. Weather conditions, especially lightning and organic debris piles, also play an essential role in its occurrence. However, in most cases, it is due to human error. Fire tornados and climate changes are consequences of it. Dixie is the second-largest wildfire in the history of California. Geographical locations are often used to name fires, and so is the case with Dixie, which is named after Dixie road in Butte county. To get more information about Dixie Wildfire and fire losses that can be recovered, you can visit this website.
Interesting Facts and Statistics:
Here are some interesting facts about the Dixie wildfire:
- It was one of the most devastating wildfires in California history.
- This wildfire was caused by the tree (Douglas fir) contacting a Pacific Gas and Electrical (PG&E) distribution line, and minor power outrage was discovered the same morning. So, the fire started under a 12,000-volt line.
- It started on July 13, 2021, near Feather River Canyon, near Cresta Powerhouse, through a large swath of North California.
- It covered a million acres of land. Plumas, Lassen, Butte, Shasta, and Tehama were the most affected counties.
- There was the destruction of many structures, including residential areas. Approximately 700 homes got burned, and the town of Greenville almost perished. Other small towns were damaged too, including Canyondam and Warner Valley.
- It burned more than 960,000 acres. Building destruction was also enormous, with 1,329 completely destroyed while damaging 95 buildings, including many historical places.
- It damaged many communities forcing the evacuation of people. The evacuation order was issued in Junction City and surrounding communities. However, evacuation orders kept changing during different months due to the fire's erratic behaviour.
- Dixie's wildfire led to the death of approximately 31 people, including both civilians and firefighters.
- Drier and warmer climate changes in recent years were also contributing factors to the Dixie wildfire. However, the main reason was the equipment of PG&E.
- The general causes of wildfire ignition were low humidity, high temperature, strong winds, and dried-up foliage. This factor contributed to Dixie as well especially strong winds.
- Flash flooding and debris flow chances were significantly increased due to the burning of trees as they were natural obstructions. In addition to it, the air was considerably polluted throughout the Western States.
- The minimum estimated cost was 1.15billion dollars to combat the Dixie fire.
US president increased federal funding and military assistance, considering fire suppression a priority. Efforts were made by more than 6500 personnel to head off future burns using fire engines, drip charges, and helicopters. In addition to it, many flammable vegetation and trees were cleared by a bulldozer. Water and other retardants, approximately up to 21million gallons were also dropped using plans to subside the fire. However, some critics think it did more damage than good due to its fertilizing properties. Dixie lasted more than 3 months. This massive fire, after unstoppable expansion, eventually levelled out and stopped growing. It seemed as if the weather changed overnight to freeze this unprecedented fire.