The York Fire has already scorched more than 31,000 hectares of The York Fire has already scorched more than 31,000 hectares of California’s Mojave Wilderness Preserve, unleashing “fire whirlwinds” that have posed a serious threat to the region’s biodiversity.
The preserve is home to many species of turtles, foxes, bobcats, and of course, Joshua trees, which are incredibly vulnerable to the flames. This has prompted fears about the well being of the thousands of threatened desert tortoise, along with an estimated 200 rare plants, many of which take centuries to recover after destruction. Last year, the Dome Fire burned 1.3 million Joshua trees in the Mojave National Preserve—over 13 percent of the population. Now firefighters fear history may be about to repeat itself in the region, as they struggle to contain the out-of-control blaze.
Some 250 firefighters are currently on the scene, though the fire has already crossed the state line and invaded neighboring Nevada. As of Tuesday night, the fire had consumed 23% of the affected land, and firefighters reported that a brief rain shower reduced its spread. To make matters worse, a deep heat wave has been gripping the Southwest United States, pushing temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona, over 43°C for 31 consecutive days and shattering records in Las Vegas, Nevada.
These conditions have only intensified the fire, which could have far-reaching environmental consequences if not extinguished soon. Road closures are in place around the area, while evacuation orders have not been issued so far. Smoke from the wildfire has even reached the southern part of Utah.
The York Fire has already caused enormous destruction, and if nothing is done to stop it soon, it could cause even greater devastation to the Mojave Wilderness Preserve. With its vibrant biodiversity, the region deserves better—and firefighters are doing their best to make sure we can all keep enjoying it.
With information from AP
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