California Wildfire 2018 (Paradise Camp Fire)

Question 1

Where abouts in California did this occur?

Answer 1

Butte County, 8th November 2018.

Question 2

What caused the wildfire to start? Consider the human and physical factors.

Answer 2

It was started by an electrical transmission fire from a PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electricity) power line that was driven downhill through developed areas by wind. Once it reached Paradise, it became an urban firestorm.

They had recently experienced a recent drought which exacerbated the fire. Also, they had experienced droughts throughout the year so the timber and vegetation was dry due to a low water table and lack of soil moisture. This was the perfect breeding ground for fire.

Question 3

Approximately how many people died?

Answer 3

85.

Question 4

Approximately how many housings were damaged/destroyed?

Answer 4

18,800 homes.

Question 5

How many people had to be evacuated?

Answer 5

52,000

Question 6

What were some of the effects of the wildfire?

Answer 6

• $16.65 billion worth of damage.
• Towns of Paradise and Concow lost around 95% of their homes.
• Fire burned over 20,000 acres in just 24 hours, with 150,000 acres burned overall.
• 13th on the list of world’s most deadliest wildfires.

Question 7

What were some of the responses to the wildfire?

Answer 7

• Smoke from the fire caused huge air pollution in San Francisco bay, and thus the public schools here were shut.
• 5,596 firefighters, 75 water tenders, and 24 helicopters had been deployed to fight the fire at the 15th November.
• PG&E faced liabilities of $30 billion for starting the fire, but settled the wildfire victims’ claims for $13.5 billion They plead guilty for 84 counts of manslaughter, and got off with a maximum fine of $3.5 million in 2020 which ended all further charges.
• California National Guard sent 700 soldiers to keep order.
• North Valley Animal Disaster Group established an animal shelter at Chico Airport.