California Wildfires Remain Destructive, North Carolina Flooding Could Cost $7B

During September, California has experienced three significant wildfires, endangering tens of thousands of homes and other structures. So far this year, 6,269 wildfires have burned nearly 1 million acres and damaged or destroyed 1,680 structures, according to Cal Fire.

While weather conditions continue to aid firefighters, the blazes remain destructive and have injured firefighters and residents.

The Bridge Fire, California’s largest actively burning fire, has burned 54,795 acres since it started Sept. 8 and is currently the third largest fire of the year, Cal Fire reported. While the fire is 59% contained as of Sept. 20, evacuation orders for areas in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties remain. The Bridge Fire has damaged 19 structures and destroyed 81 buildings. Cal Fire has confirmed four fire personnel and civilian injuries from this fire.

Cal Fire reported that the Line Fire, the state’s second-largest actively burning fire this year, has destroyed 39,232 acres since it ignited on Sept. 5. The fire is over half contained (51%). Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow. California has assigned the largest number of resources to this fire, including nearly 3,400 personnel, 15 helicopters, 272 engines, and 38 water tenders. The Line Fire has damaged four structures and destroyed one. Cal Fire has also confirmed four fire personnel and civilian injuries from this fire.

The Airport Fire began on Sept. 9 and has been the most destructive to structures and dangerous to humans of the fires actively burning. Burning in Orange and Riverside Counties, the fire has damaged 34 structures, destroyed 160 structures, and injured 15 fire personnel and civilians.  As of Sept. 19, it had burned 23,519 acres and was 41% contained.

On the East Coast, starting on Sept. 15, a tropical rainstorm brought more than 20 inches of rain to North Carolina’s southeast coastline. The rain overwhelmed drainage systems in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, resulting in widespread flooding. In some areas, this was a “1,000-year rain event,”  the National Weather Service reported.

AccuWeather’s preliminary estimate of the total damage and economic loss from this unnamed storm with tropical storm impacts in the United States is US$7 billion.

The flooding caused one casualty when an 80-year-old man died driving through a flooded road. As of Sept. 18, more than 60 roads across 12 counties remain closed, ABC News reported. A state of emergency remains in place for Brunswick, New Hanover, and Columbus counties. Damage assessments from state officials are scheduled to begin soon, but North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said officials are still waiting for flooded and damaged areas to dry out.