Dome Fire (2020)

The Dome Fire was a wildfire that burned in the Mojave National Preserve in California during the summer of 2020. The fire was ignited by lightning on August 14, 2020, and quickly spread through dry vegetation, primarily Joshua trees and other desert flora.

The fire burned an estimated 43,273 acres (approximately 68 square miles), making it one of the largest fires in the preserve's history. A significant portion of the area burned was habitat for the threatened desert tortoise.

Firefighting efforts were hampered by the remote location, rugged terrain, and high temperatures. Resources deployed included ground crews, helicopters, and air tankers.

The Dome Fire caused significant damage to the Joshua tree forests within the Mojave National Preserve. The recovery of these forests is expected to be a long and challenging process, as Joshua trees are slow-growing and vulnerable to fire. Post-fire assessments were conducted to evaluate the extent of the damage and to develop strategies for restoration and management.

The incident highlighted the increasing threat of wildfires in desert ecosystems due to climate change and drought conditions. The fire also prompted discussions about the need for improved fire prevention and suppression strategies in the Mojave National Preserve and other arid landscapes.