Southern California wildfires are among the worst in U.S. history, with over 40,000 acres scorched and 12,300 homes destroyed. UAFA's Paul Petersen stresses the need for increased funding and coordinated strategies to address year-round fires. Most ignitions are human-caused. Immediate investment in wildfire prevention and suppression is essential to mitigate catastrophic losses.
The wildfires sweeping across Southern California are shaping up to be some of the most destructive and costly in U.S. history, says Paul Petersen, Executive Director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA). With over 40,000 acres scorched and more than 12,300 homes destroyed as of Wednesday, the crisis has left communities and firefighters overwhelmed.
A Year-Round Threat
"What we are seeing, both in the United States and globally, is that fire season no longer exists—it’s now fire year-round," Petersen said. "This could become one of the deadliest and costliest climate disasters in U.S. history."
The UAFA has deployed approximately 200 pilots to battle the flames. These aerial firefighters, using aircraft like Blackhawks, Chinooks, Grumman S-2T air tankers, and water-scooping planes, are working tirelessly to contain the fires. Despite their best efforts, Petersen described the situation as "totally demoralizing."
Firefighting Challenges
Petersen detailed the complexity of the response, which includes night operations with pilots using night vision goggles to locate and communicate fire positions to ground crews. However, high winds, dry conditions, and limited resources have made containment difficult.
"When you have extreme weather conditions like Santa Ana winds reaching speeds of 50 to 80 mph, fires spread so rapidly that even prepared communities and experienced firefighters are caught off guard," Petersen explained.
The Palisades Fire alone has consumed over 23,000 acres and remains only 19% contained. Petersen highlighted the frustration of firefighters who lack the resources to prevent catastrophic losses.
A Call for Action
Petersen emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and comprehensive strategies to address wildfires. "Without more investment in wildfire prevention and suppression, these disasters will keep recurring. We need funding for hazardous fuel management, community hardening, and year-round fire readiness."
He also stressed the importance of local, state, and federal collaboration. "We need to fight the fires we have, but we also need to implement fuel treatments, logging, grazing, and incentives for fire-adapted communities. It requires an all-hands approach."
Human Causes Likely
While the exact cause of the fires is under investigation, Petersen believes human activity is the most likely culprit. "With 99% certainty, I can say these fires weren’t caused by natural events like lightning," he said. "Whether it’s arson, carelessness, or utility-related, the ignition was likely human-caused."
The Cost of Inaction
Firefighters have long warned about the growing wildfire crisis, but Petersen lamented that it often takes a tragedy to spur action. "We’ve been raising these concerns for 25 years. Now is the time for everyone to wake up and take this seriously."
Two men have been charged with felony arson as authorities continue to combat not only the fires but also firebugs and looters. Petersen’s warning is clear: Without immediate and sustained efforts to address the root causes of these disasters, the devastation will continue to escalate.
For resources and assistance, contact local authorities or visit Cal Fire’s website. 