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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Holly Ramer

Small airborne embers play a big role in the spread of wildfires

California Wildfires Tree Canopy - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

While authorities still don’t know what sparked the deadly fires in the Los Angeles area, they do know one clear way the flames have spread: embers.

At least 24 people have died in the fires that have destroyed more than 12,000 structures since starting last Tuesday. The flames have been fueled by strong winds, which not only aid combustion by increasing the oxygen supply but carry embers to unburned areas.

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