Wildfires 2019

[warneagle]

Does wildfire discussion go here or in geology? Unfortunately I have a feeling that it’s going to be a significant discussion topic this year.

 

[Kory]

Does wildfire discussion go here or in geology? Unfortunately I have a feeling that it’s going to be a significant discussion topic this year.

Probably can go in this sub-forum.

 

[WesL]

Decided we should have a dedicated thread. They create their own weather right? Did y’all see the story about the fire near LA yesterday that was started when a trash truck caught on fire and the driver had to dump the trash? Apparently the embers spread quickly to a mobile home park. Feel bad for that driver because I’m pretty sure he was following protocol with horrible timing.

Sandalwood Fire: Video shows smoking garbage truck that dumped burning trash, sparking the deadly Calimesa blaze | abc7.com

Video%20shows%20the%20moments%20before%20a%20trash%20truck%20dumped%20burning%20garbage%20in%20the%20area%2C%20igniting%20the%20blaze%20which%20resulted%20in%20the%20loss%20of%2076%20structures%2C%20mainly%20homes%20at%20a%20hilltop%20mobile%20home%20park%2C%20according%20to%20fire%20officials.

www.google.com

 

[warneagle]

They had a lot of rain earlier this year followed by a pretty extended drought so there's a lot of extra dry vegetation right now.

 

[WesL]

Here is a pretty amazing shot from LA. I’ve driven the 5 many times and this picture just blows my mind.

 

[bjdeming]

I've been in West Central Oregon now for five years and this is the first time I've seen so much green grass at this time of year, not to mention leaves that don't make a crispy crinkling sound when stirred by a breeze -- a Mediterranean climate is mind-blowing to someone from east of the Mississippi. Also, it's the first year I haven't smelled smoke in the air or seen the haze from distant wildfires. We got some decent rain (will see how flooding goes this winter!).

However, they're not so lucky in California, and it looks like they might have another big wildfire prevention blackout this weekend. PG&E is taking a lot of criticism for these, but after the Camp Fire (and others, I think) they're not taking chances. Seems there should be some more middle-ground solution, though.

 

[bjdeming]

Hurricane-force Santa Ana winds forecast on the Getty Fire near LA overnight.

Here's the current fire weather outlook.

 

[WesL]

This just amazes me. I can't imagine living in a wildfire area. I would never sleep.

 

[bjdeming]

Things are off to an early start in Australia.

Per California's Forest and Fire website, though, 100% containment across the board.

 

[bjdeming]

Speaking of Australia, looks a contributing factor might be the Indian Ocean dipole -- everyone here has probably heard of that, but it's new to me.