California Fires

Firestorms have become a way of life in California. They rage now, every year, more than I remember as a child. Usually Southern California is under siege, and I am sure before Fire Season is over we will get our share, but right now it is Northern California that is mostly going up in flames.

Southern California is getting a taste of the fire season to come, however. As I look out my window it is overcast. Some of that is not only low cloud cover, but from smoke a little to my north. A fire just south of San Luis Obispo, and east of Santa Maria, the La Brea Fire, did its share in filling the skies over the Los Angeles basin with smoke. The massive fire in Santa Barbara County has burned 75,486 acres, and is about 25% contained. The Los Padres National Forest, much of which is roadless in the San Rafael Wilderness, has made the blaze difficult to battle as winds gusting to 50 mph fan the flames. The cost of battling the fire is approaching $3 million.

Strong winds have played a major role in spreading multiple fires into thousands of acres in Northern California as well. The Lockheed Fire erupted three days ago in the Santa Cruz Mountains. So far the fire has scorched 5,036 acres, and is only 15% contained. Two structures have been damaged, and more than 250 residences currently remain threatened by the blaze. The two communities that are threatened have been evacuated, affecting 2,000-2,400 people. The cause is unknown, but the cost of the fire is currently at $2.6 million.

The Corral Fire, burning in Alameda County, is about 20% contained, and has burned 15,000 acres at this point. The rural aspects of the terrain has enabled the fire to only threaten one residence since it sparked into existence on August 13. Currently, 337 Fire Personnel are fighting this fire, costing half a million dollars. As with all of the fires, weather is a major factor in fueling this inferno, and driving it into new, fresh fuel, areas. A warming trend is expected in the weather, which will increase the violent behavior of the fire as it continues to burn in a location that is known for its hot, dry, down-canyon winds at night.

The Coffin Fire near Shasta is 85% contained and has burned 1,200 acres. The Yuba Fire, north of Sacramento, has burned 1,000 acres, is 35% contained, has destroyed two structures, and threatens multiple structures. The SHU Lightning Fire near in Shasta County has charred 17,623 acres, and is currently 80% contained. Full containment of that fire is expected by tomorrow.

A State of Emergency has been declared, and the hot, dry days of summer continue.

Is this a preview of what we have in store for us as the Santa Ana winds loom on the horizon?

For continuous updates on the fires mentioned above, and others currently burning in California, visit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection website, current incidents section.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

By Douglas V. Gibbs