Southern California is currently grappling with three large wildfires as the 2024 wildfire season emerges as one of the hottest on record.

The Bridge Fire, located northeast of downtown Los Angeles, has rapidly expanded from 4,900 acres to 55,000 acres within just 24 hours, and is currently 37% contained.

This surge in wildfires around Los Angeles is attributed to climate change, record heat, and excessive vegetation growth resulting from consecutive wet winters.

The combination of wet winters has led to an abundance of flammable grass and brush, which has dried out in the recent extreme heat, creating ample fuel for wildfires.

While current gusty winds have pushed the wildfires eastward away from populated areas, the impending Santa Ana winds pose a significant risk of spreading the fires towards more densely populated regions.

Since early September, three major wildfires have destroyed over 230 structures and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate from affected suburbs.

UCLA professor Alex Hall emphasizes the importance of reconsidering human activities that could ignite fires, as most wildfires are caused by human actions.

Nationally, wildfires have consumed 7.3 million acres in 2024, exceeding the average annual total of around 7 million acres over the last decade.

The intense heat poses significant health risks for firefighters, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Smoke exposure remains a critical risk for firefighters, with studies linking inhalation of wildfire smoke to increased chances of heart attacks, strokes, and cancers.

Retired wildland firefighter George Broyles notes that the traditional concept of a 'fire season' has evolved into an ongoing 'fire year' due to changing climate conditions.

The Airport Fire in the Santa Ana Mountains, sparked by heavy machinery, has burned 24,000 acres and destroyed 160 structures, with only 31% containment.