Welcome to the Voice of America's News Words.
In January, sudden wildfires caused massive destruction in
and around Los Angeles, California. Embers.
The Palisades and Eaton wildfires caused 29 deaths
and the destruction of more
than 16,000 structures, including homes, schools, and shops.
The causes of the fires are under investigation,
but officials say it is possible
that strong winds fueled embers from an earlier fire.
Embers are small pieces of burning coal
or wood from a fire.
In some cases, embers are as hot as the fire that created them.