Recent fire incidents in California, particularly the Eaton fire in Altadena, underscore a troubling demographic shift in wildfire victim profiles. Traditionally affecting older, white households, wildfires are now increasingly impacting more diverse communities, with significant fatalities among Black, Latino, and Asian residents. A recent study highlights that urban census tracts are experiencing more wildfires than ever, necessitating greater outreach and preparedness among these populations. As wildfire intensity escalates, the consequences for community readiness and safety systems become critical, requiring tailored responses to diverse populations who may not perceive wildfires as a threat.
Of the 17 people killed by the Eaton fire, more than 70% were Black and 64% were women. More typically however, those killed by the fire had a median age of 77 and at least a third of them suffered impairments that could affect their mobility.
The increasing occurrence of wildfires in urban areas suggests a need for increased outreach to residents of more urbanized neighborhoods and communities that have never experienced wildfires.
The study by U.S. Forest Service researchers found that new fire regimes are increasingly affecting more urban census tracts statewide, meaning greater numbers and more diverse groups of people are being and possibly will be affected by wildfires.
These changes mean that more Latino, Asian and Black Californians were being impacted by wildfire than ever before.
#california-wildfires #urban-fire-trends #diverse-communities #fire-victim-demographics #emergency-preparedness
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