WASHINGTON, DC – Forget acreage, square miles, and even football fields, California has a new official method of measuring wildfires—Rhode Islands. Last week, the United States Office released a statement designating the unit of the “Rhode Island,” which is equal to the state of Rhode Island, as the unit of measure when observing and reporting on California wildfires.
“Forest Fires have gotten so out of control in the past few years, we needed a common, instantly recognizable term Americans can relate to,” said Director Scarlet Lew. “Picturing a fire the size of Rhode Island in the California geography was evocative. Imagining the little yellow Rhode Island outline from your fifth-grade classroom wall on the big green California landscape truly makes a lasting impact.”
California officials and the news media have been quick to adopt the new scale of measurement. However, Lew warns it might not be permanent.
“Did you know there are 25 Rhode Islands burning in California as we speak?! Unless something is done about climate change, wildfires will become more common and far-reaching. Within five years, we might have to upgrade the measurement to ‘Connecticuts,’” Lew said.
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