April 20, 2008
"What Can Burn Will Burn" Fire Season Prep
I'm not the only one sensing this will be an active summer.
Check out this article (sent to FFBlog by reader Poncho!) found on SanLuisObispo.com via Los Angeles Daily News.
“It’s the worst fire season ever, this one coming up,” said Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Greg West.
Then again, he added, “They are all bad.”
Last year’s wildfires, which struck hard in Malibu, Canyon Country, San Diego and Santa Barbara, came after only 3.2 inches of rain fell in downtown L.A. from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007. A normal year sees about 15 inches.
This year’s fire season is arriving after a wetter winter; downtown has already seen roughly 13 inches of rain since July 1.
But some experts say that has simply led to a growth in vegetation — literally more fuel for the fires. And they note that it hasn’t rained recently — and it’s going to be a hot summer.
There’s a 40 percent chance of above-normal temperatures from May through September, said Rich Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service."
Labels: 2008 Fire Season