Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode Title: Like a Blow Torch. Rick Dickert Talks to A&G
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to the Wildfire Crisis

The episode opens with hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty discussing the rapid escalation of the Eaton Fire near Altadena and Pasadena. Armstrong recounts a doorbell camera video capturing the initial moments of the fire, highlighting the terrifying speed at which the fire spread:

Jack Armstrong [00:24]: "It's just crazy how fast that happened."

They emphasize the severity of the situation, noting the declaration of a PDS (Particularly Dangerous Situation) by the National Weather Service, underscoring the extreme danger posed by the wildfires.

2. Interview with Meteorologist Rick Dickert

a. Weather Conditions and Fire Dynamics

The hosts welcome Rick Dickert, a renowned meteorologist with extensive experience covering Southern California's weather events. Dickert provides an in-depth analysis of the atmospheric conditions that led to the unprecedented wildfire behavior:

Rick Dickert [02:36]: "This is the worst I have ever seen... it was so dry out there, it ignited homes well away from that major fire zone."

He explains how hurricane-force wind gusts, reaching up to 80 miles per hour, interacted with dry brush and forested areas to create a "firestorm." These winds acted like a "blowtorch," rapidly spreading the fires across the urban-wildland interface, particularly affecting iconic areas such as the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Sierra Madre, and Malibu.

b. Impact on Communities

Dickert details the impact of the fires on nearby communities, describing how embers were carried over miles, igniting structures far from the main fire zones:

Rick Dickert [04:34]: "Those embers... ignited homes well away from that major fire zone."

He highlights the duration and intensity of the fires, noting that the Palisades fire began at 10:30 AM PST on Tuesday, while the Eaton Fire ignited shortly after 6 PM the same day. The combination of powerful winds and relentless dry conditions facilitated the rapid expansion of these fires.

c. Future Weather Predictions

Looking ahead, Dickert warns of continued hazardous weather conditions, including:

• Wind gusts between 45-70 mph
• Sustained winds of 39 mph, equivalent to tropical storm force
• Relative humidity levels dropping to 8-15%

These conditions are expected to maintain red flag warnings, indicating a high potential for explosive fire growth similar to the events of the previous week.

Rick Dickert [05:42]: "That is what’s going to produce the red flag conditions... the blowtorch effect."

d. Causes and Prevention of Wildfires

Dickert emphasizes that while weather conditions dramatically influence wildfire behavior, the initial ignition sources can vary. He mentions potential causes such as infrastructure failures, accidental ignitions, and arson:

Rick Dickert [06:00]: "A fire, these fires aren’t started by the weather, they’re driven by the weather."

He underscores the importance of rapid response and stringent measures to prevent sparks from igniting fires under such extreme conditions.

3. Hosts' Discussion and Analysis

a. Challenges in Firefighting

Following Dickert's insights, Armstrong and Getty discuss the immense difficulty in combating such swift and powerful wildfires. Armstrong references dramatic footage resembling CGI special effects, illustrating the surreal and devastating nature of the fires:

Jack Armstrong [04:07]: "It's like CGI special effects... No wonder it's been so difficult to fight."

Dickert adds to this by comparing the ember spread to a "machine gun," highlighting the unpredictability and rapidity with which embers can ignite new fires.

b. Critique of Governance and Infrastructure

The conversation shifts towards the role of governance in managing wildfire risks. The hosts critique California's governance, suggesting that systemic failures may have exacerbated the wildfire crisis:

Rick Dickert [08:16]: "There’s super quick response if it does. But with 100 mile per hour gusts... you're just screwed."

Armstrong cites a fire chief's grim assessment:

Jack Armstrong [09:10]: "We could have had every fire truck in America here last Thursday night and it wouldn't have made any difference."

This underscores the overwhelming scale of the disaster and the limitations of existing firefighting resources in the face of such extreme weather conditions.

c. Political Accountability

The hosts also discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's response to the wildfire crisis, highlighting his reluctance to assign blame:

Jack Armstrong [09:43]: "Gavin Newsom... said, 'Let’s stop with the finger pointing. I’m not interested in who’s to blame.'"

They express skepticism about this stance, suggesting that accountability is crucial for preventing future disasters.

4. Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the interplay between weather, human activity, and governance in the context of wildfires. The hosts reiterate the need for preparedness and robust infrastructure to mitigate the devastating effects of such natural disasters.

Rick Dickert [07:19]: "Stay safe out there, everybody."

Armstrong emphasizes the collective responsibility in addressing wildfire risks and the importance of effective leadership in managing and preventing future crises.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [00:24]: "It's just crazy how fast that happened."
• Rick Dickert [02:36]: "This is the worst I have ever seen... it was so dry out there, it ignited homes well away from that major fire zone."
• Rick Dickert [05:42]: "That is what’s going to produce the red flag conditions... the blowtorch effect."
• Rick Dickert [08:16]: "There’s super quick response if it does. But with 100 mile per hour gusts... you're just screwed."
• Jack Armstrong [09:43]: "Gavin Newsom... said, 'Let’s stop with the finger pointing. I’m not interested in who’s to blame.'"

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared in the "Like a Blow Torch. Rick Dickert Talks to A&G" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners seeking to understand the severity of the recent Southern California wildfires and the factors contributing to their rapid spread.