Los Angeles is on Fire

Lesson made on January 12, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

The fires in California are still under investigation. Officials have said that they were not caused by lightning, which is the most common cause of wildfires in the U.S. There is also no evidence so far that arson or power lines—two other leading causes—started these fires. Detectives are continuing to examine all possible causes.

Experts believe climate change is playing a major role in making wildfires more frequent and severe. California has gone through extreme weather swings, with some years being very wet and others extremely dry. During wet years, plants and vegetation grow rapidly. However, when the weather turns dry, this vegetation dies and becomes fuel for fires. This year, dry weather and strong winds have created conditions that make it easy for wildfires to ignite and spread.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration points to climate change as a key reason wildfires are getting worse. Higher temperatures, drier air, and extended dry periods are all linked to a warming climate. These changes have made California more vulnerable to fires, and the state’s governor has said that wildfires are now a year-round issue, no longer limited to fire season.

In downtown Los Angeles, only 0.16 inches of rain have fallen since October, leaving the land very dry. Weather experts say there is no rain expected in the near future, and the strong winds, which are expected to pick up again soon, could make the situation even more dangerous. Without rain or calmer winds, firefighters will face significant challenges in containing the fires.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Which of these statements is NOT true?

a) California has experienced extreme weather changes.
b) Dry weather and strong winds make fires spread faster.
c) Lightning caused the recent fires in California.
d) Wildfires are no longer limited to a specific season in California.

2. Why are detectives investigating the fires?

a) To find out how the fires started.
b) To learn how to prevent future lightning strikes.
c) To see if firefighters are working effectively.
d) To examine the impact of rain on the fires.

3. How has climate change contributed to wildfires?

a) By causing more arson cases.
b) By increasing temperatures and making the air drier.
c) By reducing the amount of vegetation in California.
d) By making lightning storms more frequent.

4. What is one reason plants become fuel for fires?

a) They grow too slowly during dry years.
b) They dry out and die after wet years.
c) They absorb too much water during wet years.
d) They are destroyed by strong winds during dry years.

5. What is likely to happen if the strong winds continue?

a) The fires will be harder to control.
b) The strong winds will stop the fires.
c) Detectives will stop investigating the fires.
d) Vegetation will grow back quickly.

6. What does the governor mean by saying wildfires are a “year-round issue”?

a) Fires only happen during the summer months.
b) Wildfires have become easier to control.
c) California no longer has dry weather.
d) Fires can now occur at any time of the year.

7. What is the connection between wet years and wildfires?

a) Wet years prevent fires from happening.
b) Wet years help plants grow, which later become fuel during dry years.
c) Wet years lead to fewer strong winds.
d) Wet years increase the chances of arson.

8. What role does wind play in the spread of wildfires?

a) It dries out the vegetation.
b) It brings rain to affected areas.
c) It causes plants to grow faster.
d) It helps fires spread more quickly.

9. What conclusion can you make about California’s climate?

a) It has always been very dry and windy.
b) It has become more extreme, with wet and dry cycles.
c) It is not affected by climate change.
d) It is mostly rainy year-round.

10. What is the main idea of the article?

a) Wildfires are common in California due to lightning.
b) Climate change is worsening wildfires in California.
c) Firefighters are struggling because of lack of training.
d) Arson is the primary cause of wildfires in California.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. What do you think people can do to help prevent wildfires?
   
   
2. Do you think climate change is affecting your home country? How?
   
   
3. If a wildfire was near your home and you had to leave quickly, what three things would you take with you?

More Reading Practice:

Tell me more about the Los Angeles wildfires.

In early January 2025, wildfires in Los Angeles County caused significant destruction and loss of life. The fires spread rapidly due to strong winds reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour and dry conditions. Firefighting efforts have been complicated by these factors, making it difficult to control the flames.

As of January 12, the fires had burned over 16,000 hectares, with containment efforts still ongoing. At least 24 people have lost their lives, and more than 100,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Thousands of structures, including homes and businesses, were destroyed or damaged.

In addition to the major fires, several smaller ones broke out in the region, adding to the overall crisis. Some of these fires were contained quickly, but others continued to burn for days. Overall, more than 12,000 buildings were affected by the wildfires, and the financial impact has been estimated at over $50 billion, considering the damage to property and the local economy.

Firefighting teams from neighboring states, along with the California National Guard, have been assisting in the response. Despite their efforts, the fires continue to pose a significant threat to the area. Recovery will be a long process, with many residents displaced and much of the region’s infrastructure damaged. Authorities are focusing on containing the remaining fires and providing shelter and support to those affected.

What are the most common causes of wildfires?

Wildfires can start for many different reasons, but most of the time, they are caused by either natural factors or human activities. One of the main natural causes of wildfires is lightning. When lightning strikes dry trees or grass, it can start a fire that spreads quickly, especially in areas with little rainfall and dry vegetation.

Another natural cause is extreme weather, such as strong winds and high temperatures, which can make it easier for a small spark to turn into a big fire. Dry conditions are especially dangerous because they make plants and trees more likely to catch fire.

Human activities are also a major cause of wildfires. People might start fires accidentally by leaving campfires unattended, burning debris, or discarding cigarette butts that aren’t fully out. In some cases, fires are started deliberately, either as an act of arson or because someone is burning vegetation for agricultural purposes, but the fire gets out of control.

Regardless of the cause, wildfires can be devastating, especially in areas where there is a lot of dry vegetation, strong winds, or close contact between people and nature. Understanding these causes helps communities and firefighters take steps to prevent and control wildfires before they spread too far.

Link: Images of the 2025 Los Angeles Fires

Link: Government of California Website: 2025 Los Angeles Fires

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