Monday, April 27, 2015

More Bad News for California

California Drought Drives an 'Explosive,' Longer Wildfire Season

BY LINDA CARROLL


Usually, fire season in California started around May and went through September. Now, thanks to a drought that's stretching into its fourth year, the state seems to have become a year-round tinderbox.
The long running drought has "created explosive fire conditions," said Mike Mohler, a fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). "Five years ago without a drought in California you would still get wildland fires. But the vegetation wouldn't burn as quickly. Now there's zero moisture and you get explosive fire growth."

Low precipitation as well as high temperatures are a problem. 
The hot and dry conditions seem to have boosted the likelihood of fires in California even in the early part of this year. In past years on average between January 1 and April 18, there would be 492 fires burning 1,300 acres. During the same time period in 2014, it was 862 fires burning 2,417 acres, and in 2015, 838 fires scorching 3,534 acres.


http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/california-drought/california-drought-drives-stronger-longer-wildfire-season-n347671

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