“One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them.”
~ Mahavira, 600 B.C. Indian Prince & Philosopher
In last week’s column I mentioned something about the temperatures going from hot to hotter. I hesitated to pass this information on as it was just a prediction. The foothills were already roasting at 100 degrees; could it really get much hotter? Yes, as a matter of fact. By Sunday afternoon the thermometer read 111 degrees and the humidity dropped to 12%. As if a furnace door was left opened, we were blasted by an inferno. To add to the weather excitement, gusty winds started up, further spreading a wide swath of hot air across the desert, mountains and inland valleys. Summer has arrived, bringing an earlier than usual fire season.

According to the California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), as of Wednesday there were 11 wildfires burning in California. That number is threefold last year’s. With the season’s abundant rainfall, one may easily think otherwise. The 2016-17 rainfall total for La Crescenta (1,707 ft.) is 27.24 inches.  

Above average precipitation in California doesn’t mean there will be fewer wildfires. One might think, “More water, fewer fires.” Quite the contrary, as reflected by firefighters.

“If the winter is dry, water deprived trees and chaparral will ignite and burn easily; if the winter is wet, grasses grow dense and higher making for an abundance of fuel.”

In both cases, conditions grow worse as summer progresses.

Northern California is still lush and green as the snowpack continues to melt. Southern California is a different story. Recent heat waves, dry conditions and winter rain-fed vegetation have joined forces to become “the perfect storm” fire-wise. To add fuel to the fire, five years of drought has left an accumulation of dead brush and trees killed by bark beetles. The consensus among various fire agencies is that the summer of 2017, when it comes to wildfires, could be an unusually dangerous one. Remember, too, fireworks are not just illegal, but also irresponsible!

At last, a reprieve from the intense heat as ocean breezes bring fog and low clouds inland. Temperatures are expected to drop by more than 20 degrees compared to a week ago.

Daytime highs around 80 degrees and nighttime lows in the 60s are predicted into next week. A clear sky will add backdrop for the fireworks as neighbors gather to watch.

In recognition of Independence Day, appreciate and enjoy.

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick