Why are there always wildfires in California?

[Pappy Knuckles]

I'm assuming there's some sort of scientific explanation for this because it seems like they're always burning up over there. Anyone have any idea?

[Stumbleweed]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

It's a desert, it's loaded with giant man-made structures such as the mansions dotting Malibu (one of the most fire-prone areas in the whole US), it has high winds quite often, and there's limited water to control the fires. There's a cool book about this topic (how CA is basically constantly on the verge of a major disaster and that mentality's affect on the state and its representation in the media/films), but I can't for the life of me remember what it's called... probably even have it in my collection at home.

EDIT: Ooh, managed to find it on Amazon. Great book that fully explains this phenomenon: http://www.amazon.com/Ecology-Fear-A...751127&sr=1-35

Quote from the first chapter that kinda sums the problem up: "California, often to its own surprise, has developed a style of urbanization that not only amplifies natural hazards but reactivates dormant hazards and creates hazards where none existed."

Basically the whole state below the Bay Area is totally unsustainable, is in one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world, and continues expanding and building regardless of these facts. It's uniquely myopic to continue building mansions and swimming pools and irrigating crops when you're drinking water bought from the CO River that flows through other states (and said river no longer reaches the ocean because it's already been used up by then). It's craziness, and it's one of those things that will surely bite us in the collective *** in the next 15 years.

[NoDakHusker]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

it's hot and dry in california. any little flame could expand into a massive wildfire. there really is no big scientific explanation.
it's just that dryness that makes the fires worse.

[JohnnytheSkin]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

@ Stumbleweed

[Pappy Knuckles]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

Alright, guess I was just overthinking it.Thanks.

[bowdown2shadi]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

It's a desert, it's loaded with giant man-made structures such as the mansions dotting Malibu (one of the most fire-prone areas in the whole US), it has high winds quite often, and there's limited water to control the fires. There's a cool book about this topic (how CA is basically constantly on the verge of a major disaster and that mentality's affect on the state and its representation in the media/films), but I can't for the life of me remember what it's called... probably even have it in my collection at home.

EDIT: Ooh, managed to find it on Amazon. Great book that fully explains this phenomenon: http://www.amazon.com/Ecology-Fear-A...751127&sr=1-35

Quote from the first chapter that kinda sums the problem up: "California, often to its own surprise, has developed a style of urbanization that not only amplifies natural hazards but reactivates dormant hazards and creates hazards where none existed."

Basically the whole state below the Bay Area is totally unsustainable, is in one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world, and continues expanding and building regardless of these facts. It's uniquely myopic to continue building mansions and swimming pools and irrigating crops when you're drinking water bought from the CO River that flows through other states (and said river no longer reaches the ocean because it's already been used up by then). It's craziness, and it's one of those things that will surely bite us in the collective *** in the next 15 years.

Damn, I have to get the hell out of here.

[Pappy Knuckles]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

Lmfao. Props to Stumble for that reply btw.

[bkrich83]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

Very simple, high winds, very very low humidity, high heat, and drought conditions. Same as it is for many other states in this region. Gets more headlines here because it's so much more populated here.

[23]

Re: Why are there always wildfires in California?

Very simple, high winds, very very low humidity, high heat, and drought conditions. Same as it is for many other states in this region. Gets more headlines here because it's so much more populated here.

Yup.... thats pretty much it.

The fires usually happen in the same secluded areas every single time.

They're close enough to me where sometimes ashes come down from the sky and screw up your carwash but not close enough to be affected by the fires.

It really is overblown though, BK is right