Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804-519-8449
OAKLAND, CA -- Current wildfires burning across California are slowly coming under control and evacuation orders have been lifted in several parts of the state, though not all. Smoke from the fires continues to create dangerously unhealthy air across the state and the West-- an increased health risk in the midst of the pandemic.
These fires in California killed seven people and burned hundreds of homes and businesses.
Dozens of large fires continue to burn across the West, including several in Colorado. While fire is a natural part of the landscape, the climate crisis has lengthened the fire season and raised the risk of unnaturally large and more dangerous fires across the country.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune issued the following statement.
“At Sierra Club, we are holding close everyone suffering from these fires. The loss of loved ones, homes and livelihoods is a heavy burden-- one the challenges of COVID-19 make even more difficult.
“Our immediate concern remains the safety of those at risk, including the first responders working diligently to manage these fires. But attention and action cannot stop when these fires are contained. There will be more climate-fueled fires. There’s an urgent need to support community fire defense planning, especially for the most vulnerable communities, and to act now on climate before the crisis worsens further. ”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.