All articles tagged with #wildfire risk
California has experienced a rare period of no abnormal dryness for the first time in 25 years, thanks to recent heavy rains and atmospheric rivers, reducing wildfire risk and water supply concerns, though climate change is expected to cause more extreme weather swings in the future.
A Texas Panhandle businessman, Salem Abraham, is leading efforts by local towns to pressure Xcel Energy to upgrade its aging infrastructure after wildfires caused by utility poles, with plans to potentially take over the utility if safety concerns persist. The coalition of towns is also exploring legal avenues for a utility takeover, citing safety failures and community distrust, while Xcel claims to have implemented significant safety measures and infrastructure improvements.
January's Wolf Moon is the first of three supermoons in 2025, coinciding with a brief cold front that will bring a slight temperature drop and increased wildfire risk in Austin. Despite recent cold snaps, the year remains among the warmest on record, with temperatures expected to stay above normal into early next week, and a chance of rain later in the week with another cold front.
California's new Safe Homes grants program, starting in 2026, aims to assist low- and middle-income homeowners in high wildfire risk areas with funding for fire-resistant roofs and creating ember-resistant zones, with details on eligibility and funding still being finalized.
Xcel Energy is shutting off power for 50,000 customers along Colorado's Front Range due to high winds and dry conditions to prevent wildfires, with power expected to be restored by 6 p.m. and additional outages possible on Friday. The shutdown affects Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties, while Denver remains unaffected, and community comfort centers are being set up for residents in need.
Due to critically dry conditions and high winds forecasted for Wednesday, Xcel Energy is likely to implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff affecting parts of the Front Range to mitigate wildfire risks, with the situation closely monitored and updates provided to the public.
Xcel Energy warns Colorado customers of potential power shutoffs on Wednesday due to extreme winds and dry conditions increasing wildfire risk, with authorities monitoring conditions closely and preparing for possible outages affecting large areas.
Xcel Energy may shut off power on December 17th at noon in several Colorado counties due to high winds and dry conditions to prevent wildfires, with updates available through local alerts and safety resources.
A severe heat wave across the Western U.S. has caused record-high temperatures, increased wildfire risks, and health warnings, affecting over 30 million people in states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, with some areas experiencing their hottest days of the year.
Red flag warnings are set to take effect across Southern California from Los Angeles to San Diego due to strong Santa Ana winds, which could reach up to 80 mph. The National Weather Service warns of increased wildfire risk in areas like the San Gabriel and Santa Monica mountains, San Fernando Valley, and Ventura County. Residents near wildland interfaces are advised to prepare for potential evacuations. The warnings will remain in effect until early Wednesday, with conditions typical for this time of year.
Northern California experienced its first triple-digit temperatures of 2024, with highs reaching 100 degrees or more in several cities, elevating wildfire risks due to accompanying winds. Wednesday is forecasted to be even hotter, with temperatures between 100 to 105 degrees, prompting fire danger warnings. Firefighters are preparing for increased activity as residents seek relief by heading to waterways. Temperatures are expected to lower to the 90s by the weekend.
Xcel will shut off power to 55,000 Colorado customers across six counties for more than 24 hours due to dangerous wind conditions and wildfire risks, with outages starting around 3 p.m. Saturday and continuing through noon Sunday. The company is taking this action to prevent its electric system from becoming the source of a wildfire ignition. Customers relying on electrical medical equipment should prepare for extended outages, and first responder agencies advise oxygen-dependent individuals to make necessary arrangements. Additionally, high winds may cause additional outages, and residents are urged to take precautions for heating and cooking during the outage.
Xcel Energy plans to cut power to around 55,000 customers in Colorado's front range due to the risk of wildfires caused by hurricane-force winds. The company is taking this precautionary measure to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure public safety. The decision comes amid concerns about the potential for power lines to ignite fires during the high winds. The move has sparked debate, with some experts questioning the long-term effectiveness of preventative blackouts in addressing the underlying causes of wildfires. This action follows a lawsuit against Xcel Energy alleging its role in the Marshall Fire, the most destructive wildfire in Colorado's history.
Xcel Energy is considering cutting power to about 55,000 customers in Boulder, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties in Colorado due to extremely high winds and the resulting high fire danger. The outage is expected to start at 3 p.m. today and last until at least noon Sunday, with the company intending to contact affected customers directly. The decision is part of efforts to decrease the risk of wildfires, and other power companies in the area have also reported outages.
A red flag warning has been issued for the Washington area due to high winds and dry conditions, elevating the risk of fast-moving wildfires, with multiple fires already reported in western Virginia and eastern West Virginia. Wind gusts of 30 to 45 mph in the region and 40 to 60 mph in western Virginia are exacerbating the situation, with very dry relative humidity values further increasing the concern. Evacuations have been reported for some areas, and fire crews are facing challenges due to the high level of activity. The warning is in effect until 8 p.m., with continued fire caution advised for the following day.