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:
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.
- What do you think people can do to help prevent wildfires?
- Do you think climate change is affecting your home country? How?
- 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 California wildfires.
In January 2025, California experienced severe wildfires, especially in the southern part of the state. These fires were among the worst in the state’s history. Strong winds and dry weather made the fires spread quickly.
The fires burned for 24 days, from January 7 to January 31. Over 57,000 acres of land were destroyed. More than 18,000 buildings were damaged or lost. At least 30 people died, and over 200,000 had to leave their homes. The two biggest fires were the Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fire. The Eaton Fire burned over 14,000 acres and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings. The Palisades Fire destroyed almost all of Pacific Palisades, including homes, schools, and churches.
The fires caused problems with water and electricity. In some areas, there was no water to fight the fires because the water tanks were empty. High winds made it hard to use airplanes to drop water on the fires. Smoke from the fires made the air very unhealthy, causing problems for people with asthma and other health issues.
The cost of the damage was very high, with estimates over $250 billion. Some insurance companies even hired private firefighters to protect homes. There was also concern about landlords raising rents too much after the fires, which is against the law during emergencies.
Many people and organizations helped those affected by the fires. Celebrities donated money, and sports teams held events to support firefighters and victims. Governor Gavin Newsom started a program called “LA Rises” to help rebuild the damaged areas. He also worked with President Trump to get federal help for recovery.
The 2025 California wildfires were a major disaster, showing the need for better preparation and response to such events.
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.
Images of the 2025 Los Angeles Fires
Government of California Website: 2025 Los Angeles Fires
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