California Fires
The theory that indicates what might have caused the Palisades fire in Los Angeles: Fires go ‘from smoldering to flaming’
The Pacific Palisades fire is the first and largest of the blazes devouring southern California, and it could have been caused by a fire on New Year’s Eve.

The southern California wildfires broke out on Jan. 7 and have killed 24 people so far. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection or CalFire said the fires have burned 40,300 acres and destroyed more than 12,300 structures.
The first and largest fire is the one razing Pacific Palisades, currently reported to be at 13% containment. According to analysis by The Washington Post, this particular wildfire could have started in the same area where firefighters had already battled a blaze on New Year’s Day.
The media outlet studied photos, videos, satellite imagery and radio transmissions to formulate the possibility that the Jan. 1 fire could have been reignited under windy conditions.
READ ALSO: This is the reason why this is the only house standing after the fires in Malibu: “It’s a miracle”
The analysis, which also included interviews with witnesses, showed the fire which started on Tuesday, Jan. 7, started close to where the Jan. 1 blaze began, and that firefighters responded more slowly the second time around.
A fire expert at the University of California at Berkeley told the Post that “fires rekindle and transition from smoldering to flaming.”
California authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
READ ALSO: This is when Los Angeles, California can expect rain according to the Farmers Almanac
What is fire re-ignition and what causes it?
Fire re-ignition, also called re-flash, takes place when a blaze believed to have been extinguished or suppressed restarts, often due to lingering heat, smoldering materials, or reintroduction of oxygen to the area.
After a fire is put out, some materials may remain hot enough to ignite again, especially if they are insulated and retain heat.
Smoldering embers or hidden flames in debris can trigger the fire when exposed to oxygen or when nearby combustible materials are heated. If the original fuel source, such as wood, paper, or flammable liquids, isn’t completely burned or removed, the fire can begin blazing again.
Fires can also be re-sparked when oxygen is suddenly reintroduced to a smoldering or oxygen-deprived environment, such as when doors or windows are opened.
In the case of the Los Angeles fires, wind conditions can fan embers back into flames or spread smoldering materials to new areas.
Re-ignition can be dangerous because it may happen quickly and unexpectedly, even after firefighting efforts seem to have successfully extinguished the flames.
Firefighters usually conduct an “overhaul” process after putting out a fire to search for and eliminate hidden hot spots and smoldering embers.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.