Comments on: Southern California fires

By: DJ

DJ — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:42:08 +0000

I just spoke with a friend last night who works on a fire crew in UT. He loves his work, and has fought fires all over the West. He’s been posted to Humbolt County in northern CA for the past few weeks, but he requested a transfer home this week because “people are dying there.” According to him, high winds have caused a helicopter crash that killed seven firefighters, and another firefighter got enveloped in the blaze during a gust of wind. The people who fight fires are courageous, and I can’t blame him for wanting to stay alive.

By: Bob Morris

Bob Morris — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:57:43 +0000

50-60 mph winds are not uncommon and the canyons can be filled with 6 feet tall tinder dry underbrush and bushes.

By: Bob's South Carolina Windows

Bob's South Carolina Windows — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:05:48 +0000

I can’t imagine a fire moving faster than I can run, much less faster than I can drive. Those must be some pretty ridiculously crazy winds.

By: DJ

DJ — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:53:08 +0000

Interestingly, the site seems to make a case for not burning chapparal based on the idea that it doesn’t “need” to burn– and that burns at the wrong time can be destructive to the chapparal environment. At the same time, it advocates “vegetation control” around structures.

This, I think, is exactly what we’ve been saying: the Malibu fires in particular have been exacerbated because (1) there are so many homes built in fire-prone areas, and (2) the vegetation has not been controlled. As to what happens out in uninhabited areas, letting the natural cycle take its course may be the best approach.

I also found it interesting that (according to the site) the burn rate has increased so much over the past century. I wonder whether that’s due to climate, human activity, or something else?

Personally, I’d like to see the chapparal remain uninhabited, so fire threat to homes becomes a non-issue. But that train has already left the station.

By: Richard W. Halsey

Richard W. Halsey — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:31:18 +0000

Folks, fire suppression has NOTHING to do with the wildfires in Southern California. These are wind driven fires and anything will burn in them. Mike Davis is correct in many of his thoughts regarding land planning, but we have come a long way regarding the science of chaparral fires and ecology.

If you would like to learn more about this, please visit our Science and Fire page on our California Chaparral Institute website.

By: exterior-doors-california

exterior-doors-california — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:21:12 +0000

CLOSED ROADS, SAN DIEGO: http://www.fox6.com/content/traffic/default.aspx
PROPERTY DAMAGE in San Diego County reached $1 billion, authorities said this morning - http://www.fox6.com/news/local/default.aspx

By: DJ

DJ — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:00:21 +0000

There it lies: inaction is less costly than any action, because action provides culpability.

By: Bob Morris

Bob Morris — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 14:05:19 +0000

But what if such a controlled burn got out of control? Among other things, the lawsuits would be staggering.

By: DJ

DJ — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:00:19 +0000

Define “safely.” A controlled burn in non-Santa Ana conditions could hardly be as destructive as what they’ve got now!

By: Bob Morris

Bob Morris — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 02:58:49 +0000

Winds over 100 mph were recorded in L.A. yesterday and the worst winds are yet to come, say forecasters.

Everyone seems stunned by the ferocity of the winds and fires. Even Fire Dept. spokespersons say they’ve never seen anything like this.

Controlled fires can indeed be dangerous, and could they even be done safely in places like Malibu or the Hollywood Hills?