Wildfires in Los Angeles are being contained, but what does that really mean? Here’s a straightforward explanation.
Los Angeles: The wildfires are causing chaos in the area, and firefighters are working hard against strong winds to keep the flames in check.
So, what does it mean to “contain” a wildfire? It doesn’t mean the fire is out. Instead, it’s about how much of the fire’s edge has been surrounded to stop it from spreading further.
Firefighters create containment lines using roads, rivers, or even by digging trenches. These lines help keep the fire from jumping to new areas.
Containment is usually shown as a percentage. For example, the Palisades Fire has burned over 23,000 acres and is only 14% contained. That means they’ve managed to surround 14% of the fire’s edge.
Other fires, like the Eaton Fire, are doing a bit better at 33% containment, while the Hurst Fire is almost fully contained at 95%.
But remember, just because a fire is contained doesn’t mean it’s out. Conditions can change quickly, especially with Santa Ana winds expected to make things worse in the coming days.
The goal is to keep the fire from jumping over those containment lines. It’s a tough job, but firefighters are on it!
