The raging wildfires in the Los Angeles area are still causing havoc, with firefighters facing strong winds in their efforts to control the blazes.
But what exactly does it mean to “contain” a wildfire?
Simply extinguishing the fire does not mean it is completely out. Containment refers to the establishment of a perimeter around an active fire to prevent it from spreading and consuming more land.
Firefighters work to suppress wildfires by creating natural barriers like roads, highways, rivers, and waterways to surround the flames and prevent them from spreading. They also construct containment lines by digging trenches and clearing vegetation around the fire.
The level of containment is expressed as a percentage, reflecting how well the fire has been contained, according to the Western Fire Chiefs Association.
Watch the live broadcast here
The largest fire in the Los Angeles area, the Palisades Fire, has burned over 23,000 acres and is 14% contained as of Monday. The Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena is 33% contained, while the Hearst Fire in Sylmar is 95% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Containment is a crucial measure of progress in firefighting efforts, but it can change as the fire develops and environmental conditions fluctuate.
In Southern California, strong Santa Ana winds are expected to pose a significant fire risk in Los Angeles and Ventura counties over the next few days. Dry, windy conditions can fuel existing fires and accelerate new ones.
Even after a fire is extinguished, it may continue to burn for some time. The primary goal is to prevent the fire from crossing the containment line.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
