‘Fire whirls’ threaten Joshua tree desert in scorching US

A massive wildfire is currently raging through the environmentally sensitive Mojave Desert, causing concern for the preservation of Joshua trees, which are predominantly found in the southwestern United States.

Since the outbreak of the York Fire on Friday, approximately 77,000 acres (31,000 hectares) have been engulfed by the flames, fueled by high winds and soaring temperatures over the weekend.

To combat the blaze, over 250 firefighters have been deployed under the supervision of the Bureau of Land Management, the federal agency responsible for the area.

“Fire whirls,” also known as “whirlwinds,” have been observed by firefighters on the north side of the fire. These whirls have the potential to spread embers over long distances and can generate new fires ahead of the main fire front. The sudden changes in direction make them difficult to predict.

This wildfire poses a significant threat to the Mojave Desert, a protected area renowned for its rich biodiversity. The region is home to various animal species, including tortoises, foxes, and lynx. Additionally, it houses a significant population of Joshua trees, a type of flowering yucca known for its longevity but lacking natural resistance to fire. These iconic trees, which can reach heights of up to 15 meters (50 feet), gained global recognition after U2 released their 1987 album, “The Joshua Tree.”

The Joshua tree population has already been severely affected by a 2020 wildfire, resulting in the loss of 1.3 million trees. The species is further threatened by human-induced global warming, exacerbated by the burning of fossil fuels. In recent weeks, parts of the region have experienced extreme heat, with temperatures in Phoenix surpassing 110 Fahrenheit (43 Celsius) for 31 consecutive days.

Although heatwaves occur naturally, scientists assert that unrestricted burning of fossil fuels by human activities is contributing to global temperature rise and intensifying extreme weather events, increasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

© 2023 AFP

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