🚀 go-pugleaf

On Thu, 4 Nov 1993, SYSTEM MANAGER wrote:

> Is anyone out in LA and have expereinces with these brush fires?  CNN had some
> incredible coverage of the fires and the firefighters dealing with the flames.
>
> After the fire, what happens?  Soil erosion? Or is there some root structure
> left to this brush?  It is so hard to understand how those fires could spread
> so quickly (for this easterner, at least).
>
> Perhaps people should stop living in those hills.  Sort of like building on a
> barrier beach.

No one ever said that we had foresight about natural hazards when we
build.  Yes, in fact , the roots of these plants do survive.  They are
expecting fire as a natural part of their life cycle.  It stimulates more
grow, increases browze for wildlife, and is even required to open some
seed pods.  the term chaparral is given to the plant community because of
its low - in height - stature.  The plants have a high volume of oil that
helps survive long periods of no precipitation.  When heated, it nearly
explodes into flame and thus, you have a potential for extensive fire.
Add wind and high land values and a natural disaster.  Is it natural or
preventable?  I guess, noting the short time anyone spends in one place
during a lifetime, and the span between these types of fires, it may be
worth the view.  Much of this state's vegetation is fire dependent.  As
part of the ecology, you'd think that it would be sufficently planned for.
 But, as all planners know, its economy that moves general plans, not
ecology.  Check out the water system in CA for another disater waiting to
happen.

My community believes in conservation to protect low reserves, but
continues to allow building and development to occur.  They don't seem to
feel that it will require expanded allocations of water to support the
increased population.  While my rates increase, my usage decreases, my
landscape drys up, I wonder how long before this area's residents find
their lifestyle deteriorating due to poor mplanning and vision.  It'll
just take one of those LA type fires here to give the wake-up call.

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Robert E. Williams                       Above the Fog and Below the Snow
Geographer, Teacher Consultant           Paradise is all its name imlies.
California Geographic Alliance - North                /|\
rowilli@ctp.org                                      //|\\
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