READING PRACTICE 10.4.
1
The Megafires of California
Bigger, Hotter Fires in California
Wildfires are becoming a big problem in the western United States, especially in
Southern California. Firefighters are having a hard time putting out these fires, even
though they are better prepared than ever. The fires are hotter, faster, and spread more
unpredictably.
What Are Megafires?
Megafires, also called "siege fires," are very large fires that burn 500,000 acres or
more. This is 10 times the size of the average forest fire 20 years ago. Some recent
wildfires in California are among the biggest ever.
Why Are There More Megafires?
1. Less Rain: The region usually has dry summers, and in many recent years,
there has been much less rain than normal.
2. Firefighting Policies: For the last 100 years, the US Forest Service has tried to
stop wildfires as quickly as possible. This has unintentionally allowed
underbrush, the primary fuel for megafires, to build up.
3. Climate Change: The average yearly temperature in the western states has
risen by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
4. Longer Fire Seasons: Fire seasons are now 78 days longer than they were 20
years ago.
5. More Homes in Wooded Areas: More homes are being built in areas prone to
wildfires.
Challenges in California
California's population has grown a lot, with more homes being built in areas that can
catch fire easily. This makes the fires burn more intensely. Firefighters have a tough
job because there are many dry areas and many homes that can catch fire.
Improvements in Firefighting
Despite these challenges, California has made progress in recent years. The state has
provided more modern equipment like engines, planes, and helicopters. Firefighters
now have better tools and strategies to fight fires.
Communication during fires has also improved. In the past, different fire departments
couldn't communicate well with each other. Now, they can work together more
efficiently.
California has also improved building codes, evacuation procedures, and has new
technology to help fight fires. Because of these improvements, there is hope that there
will be less loss of life in future wildfires.
NOTE COMPLETION
Complete the notes below. Write no more than THREE words and/or a number for
each answer.
1. Wildfires are particularly problematic in the ________ United States.
2. Despite better preparedness, firefighters are struggling with fires that are
________ and spread more ________ than before.
3. Megafires burn ________ acres or more, which is ________ times the size of
the average forest fire 20 years ago.
4. One reason for more superhot fires is ________ precipitation in recent years.
5. The century-long policy of the US Forest Service to stop wildfires quickly has
led to the build-up of ________, the primary fuel for megafires.
6. Fire seasons are now ________ days longer than they were 20 years ago.
7. More homes are being built in ________ areas, which contributes to the
intensity of fires.
TRUE/ FALSE/ NOT GIVEN
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
8. Southern California is experiencing fewer wildfires compared to other parts of
the western United States.
9. The Santa Ana Winds make it harder to control fires in Southern California.
10. Megafires are less than 10 times the size of the average forest fire 20 years ago.
11. Climate change has contributed to the rise in megafires.
12. The US Forest Service has intentionally allowed underbrush to build up as fuel
for fires.
13. Increased construction of homes in wooded areas has made firefighting easier.
14. California’s population has been growing by more than 600,000 people a year
for at least ten years.
15. The state of California has made no improvements in firefighting preparedness
in recent years.
16. Improved communication among different fire departments has led to more
efficient firefighting.
17. New technology and better evacuation procedures have reduced the number of
homes destroyed by wildfires.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
18. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing to more
megafires?
A. Climate change
B. Increased underbrush
C. Longer fire seasons
D. Improved communication
19. According to the passage, what has California done to better prepare for
wildfires?
A. Built more residential homes
B. Reduced funding for firefighting
C. Provided modern firefighting equipment
D. Stopped the policy of putting out fires quickly
20. Randy Jacobs believes that:
A. Wildfires will no longer cause any damage.
B. The improvements in firefighting will reduce the loss of life.
C. Fire seasons are now shorter.
D. Communication among fire departments is still inadequate.
