Why It’s So Hard to Predict Exactly Where Wildfires Will Strike

After at least 17 people were killed and more than 2,000 structures were destroyed by fast-moving wildfires raging across northern California this week, some are wondering: Is there a way to better predict wildfires and warn residents before they start?

Unfortunately, experts say the nature of wildfires makes it almost impossible to create an accurate early-warning system like those that exist for other natural disasters, including hurricanes and tornadoes.