Los Angeles County Fire officials have announced that the enormous Sesnon fire began when strong winds knocked down electrical lines, igniting dry brush in a drainage ditch, and led to one of the most destructive fires of this season.   Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the latest Southern California wildfires have so far claimed two lives, burned more than 18,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 1,200 people from the area.   While winds and dry conditions typically contribute to ferocious fires around this time of year, officials are concerned that climate change could be causing longer fire seasons. In a disturbing statement Bob Roper, chief of the Ventura County Fire Department, warned: “We are not out of fire season. Fire season is year-round now.”

takepart by volunteering or donating through California Volunteers to help victims of the fires.

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Photo: Dan Steinberg/Associated Press