WILDFIRES: THE EFFECTS ON SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Abstract The purpose of the research project was to develop and test predictive models that make accurate statistical predictions of the wildfire frequency and severity in the Southern California region. From 2011 to 2022, the annual acreage destruction by wildfires increased by approximately threefold. The research focused on identifying correlated variables leading to the beneficial environment for these wildfires. The data was collected from existing data sources: CalFire, U.S. Carbon Monitor, Energy Information Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Reserve Economic Data, and U. S. Department of Agriculture. A data mart was created to store and manipulate the data. The research confirms that explanatory variables such as weather, carbon emissions, and populations are linked to wildfires in Southern California, and the prediction models have generated results that helped accept the research hypothesis