Millions of Californians live near oil and gas wells that are increasingly in the path of wildfires, raising concerns about explosions, pollution and infrastructure damage. In short:More than 100,000 oil wells in the western US, mainly in California, are at high risk of wildfires. Nearly 3 million people live within 3,200 feet of these wells, facing heightened health and safety risks. Historic and projected data show a significant increase in wildfire threats to oil infrastructure. González, assistant professor of environmental health sciences at UC BerkeleyWhy this matters:Wildfires near oil wells pose serious health risks and environmental hazards.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 26, 2024 10:58 UTC