5 Facts You Should Know About Santa Ana Winds

Over the past several years, California's wildfires have continued to increase, and the Santa Ana Winds have contributed greatly to their spread. Santa Ana winds fan the flames of large fires within Southern California and often sustain and stoke the fire spreading the destruction over large areas. Oxygen acts as fuel, and the winds push the fire; the embers can even spark fires in nearby buildings and residential units, which is why installing fire-rated access doors is essential.

1. The Name Santa Ana Winds Comes From a Native American Word

Santana is a Native American word that means devil wind, and it turned into Santa Ana as time passed. It is a befitting name for the intense and harsh outcomes that these winds bring across California. Some people claim that this name originated from the Santa Ana Canyon of Orange County, which is also a possibility.

2. 2017 Was the Worst Wildfire Season in the United States

2017 is the record-holder for the worst wildfire season across the United States. Starting from early October, a series of wildfires started spreading with the help of Santa Ana winds. These fires started in Napa County and spread out through surrounding northern counties. There were 17 fires over several weeks, ravaging 1000 to 20,000 acres every day, leaving complete devastation in their wake. By the 14th of the month, more than 210,000 are affected, with 90,000 evacuees and 43 casualties. 2020 was also a record-breaker for the most wildfires in California.

3. The Blow from East to West

The leading cause of Santa Ana Winds is the atmospheric pressure that forms over Nevada and Utah, which results in the lower pressure prevailing on the coast. As it crosses various coastal hills and heads toward the ocean, the wind compresses and heats up. It results in dry and hot weather, which are ideal conditions for wildfires to spread.

4. Santa Ana Winds AKA Diablo Winds or Sundowners

Santa Ana Winds are a weather pattern that is notorious in California, especially in fall. However, the Bay Area calls them Diablo Winds while people in Santa Barbara refer to them as Sundowners. No matter what the name, it doesn't change its danger to properties and people's lives.

5. They Turn Brushfires into Firestorms

A simple brushfire can turn into a firestorm in the presence of Santa Ana Winds and Diablo Winds. They can spread and strengthen the flames by providing enough oxygen and a dry atmosphere that becomes fuel. In the 2003 blaze in San Diego, the east-to-west winds built a fire that killed 14 people.

Conclusion 

If your property location is prone to wildfire and Santa Ana Winds, it is essential to protect your property from possible fire hazards. Make sure to install fire-rated access doors to protect your building components. When looking for quality products, visit California Access Doors. Our product specialists are always happy to help!