According to a Pleasant Hill Realtor, the effects of forest fires in Canada have been felt in the United States. Forest fires are an unfortunate part of life and something many homeowners around the world should be aware of. As a result of these concerns, Fire Factor™️ was created.
What is Fire Factor™️?
Fire Factor analyzes wildfire risks across the United States. This is accomplished by using the First Street Foundation Wildfire Model. The wildfire model tracks the entire nation, showing a specific location’s risk of wildfire. Criteria analyzed include the following:
- Topography
- Vegetation
- Fire weather
Analysis is built using decades of peer-reviewed research and forecasts on how wildfire risks will be impacted over time by environmental changes.
Fire Factor™️ Key Components
The Fire Factor can be broken down further into four key components:
Ignition locations. This would include the location for fires greater than 100 acres. In addition to these “hotspots”, also noted are conditions most likely for the ignition and spread of future wildfires.
Fire behavior mode. This landscape behavior model creates 30-year estimates for wildfire hazards in the United States. Key behaviors studied include fire intensity, burn likelihood, and spread of embers.
Weather. Weather data is analyzed and compiled from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA’s) to create forecasts for the next 30 years. Precipitation, air temperature, and humidity are used to create possible patterns and results.
Fuels. Combustible fuels are the key to the potential and severity of wildfires. Fuel estimates include studying the age, quantity, type, and condition of combustible fuels. Fuel sources are described as surface and canopy fuel, which represents shrubs, trees, herbaceous plants and their regrowth capabilities.
These criteria are added to data compiled from the previous 10 years to create a new wildfire model.
California Wildfire Predictions
According to AccuWeather, between 400,000 to 1 million acres will burn in California in 2023, which is slightly above average for fire danger. The peak wildfire season for Northern California occurs from August into September, while the peak wildfire season for Southern California occurs from September to November.
Key Areas to Watch
The California winter storms had a tremendous impact on the types of fuels that could potentially start wildfires:
- Fallen tree limbs. The drought in California ended due to winter storms, but they caused many trees, limbs, and branches to fall. This typically increases the availability of combustible fuels, but many experts believe they will hang onto moisture, reducing the risk of wildfires until later in the season.
- Increased grassy hillsides. The rain caused grass to grow but also increased the risk of grassland fires. As a result, its critical overgrowth is cut back especially in the fall which is the driest time of the year.
Other Wildfire Causes
It is estimated that human-started wildfires accounted for 84% of all wildfires, tripling the length of the fire season. In addition, Americans start over twice as many wildfires on July 4th as any other summer day. Researchers also note fewer wildfires are started on Sundays compared to other days.
Summary
The potential for wildfires is something Californian should be aware of, having a direct impact on a person’s buying habits. By understanding the various causes of wildfires and weather trends, we can be better prepared to handle upcoming wildfire seasons.
About Pleasant Hill Realtor of Range Homes
Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Need help determining your next move? Having a licensed real estate agent is essential. Here at Range Homes, we have helped our customers buy and sell homes for years. We also have great market data to help you pick the perfect area and are ready to help you find your dream home during these unprecedented times. Contact us HERE for your real estate needs.
Why East Bay CA?
East Bay CA is known for its good economy, beautiful landscapes, and extremely popular housing market. When other states and territories have experienced a decline in housing prices the Bay Area, in general, has remained strong. This doesn’t mean you should not diversify your portfolio across many states, but Pleasant Hill Realtors agree that this is certainly a strong place to start for a novice investor. There are even some great low-cost homes that are ripe for renovation.
We have a team of friendly, helpful Pleasant Hill Realtors that specialize in East Bay CA real estate and property sales that can help you work out how to best get your property portfolio started. Our agents are here to put your needs first, get you the best deals and offers, help you buy or sell your dream home and build your investment portfolio. Reach out to our team today to find out your options.
If you are looking to find a Pleasant Hill Realtor, looking for homes for sale in East Bay CA, or even to sell your home with someone who will make sure you get the best deal and understand your needs – look no further – when you work with us, consider yourself family.
