Just when it seemed that we would pass through a mild summer, there comes a double inferno of 100-plus temperatures and a raging fire with air quality that has kept most of us indoors for the better part of a week.
Most ominously, it is a sign that the length and severity of wildfire seasons are worsening (global warming, perhaps?). September has preempted October with its Santa Ana wind-driven fires and has, of this writing, consumed more than 144,000 acres. The prediction of heavier rainfall from El Niño in the coming months carries a mixed blessing.
We obviously need the water, but more rain will also mean more plant growth, which will in turn become more fuel for future fires. And with heavy rains, we will very likely need to contend with flooding in our foothills this winter and spring from hillsides laid bare of vegetation.
But through all of the fire and smoke, there were good things to see. Whole streets of people coming together in ways that they rarely do — helping each other, teaming up with each other, being ready to support each other in any way.
And of course the firefighters, who remind us in this crisis how much we depend on them and how much we are indebted to them for their willingness to put their lives at risk for our protection. Seeing crews at the end of streets poised and ready to battle flames, hearing the steady drone of aircraft that discharge load after load of water and chemicals to the worst-affected areas — there is a reason why so many of the people evacuated seemed calm and assured that all would be well with their property and possessions, and that is their faith in the ability and dedication of our firefighters.
