SoCal Fires ... is this a new thing???

[knittingknerd]

Originally Posted by aimster

I honestly think some of these fires might be intentionally set. Someone must've missed fire safety day at school.

They were talking on the news about "firebugs" that pop up during these high winds.

I get antsy in the winds. And this is right around the time I was evacuated last year...

[Radiobarry]

Originally Posted by knittingknerd

They were talking on the news about "firebugs" that pop up during these high winds.

I get antsy in the winds. And this is right around the time I was evacuated last year...

Yes friends, we've entered that time of year that so many of us have grown up with in SoCal.

I concur with the theories presented regarding the recent increase. Also, we have more cars on the road, and exhaust sparks are also known to touch off these fires. And some are bringing up the "climate change" issue in this regard as well.

My fervent prayers for all those affected, and the gallant police, fire, Red Cross, and other forces that are put into action now.

[mamabot]

I only mentioned lightning because of the fires that happen in the Mountains near me. If memory serves me correctly, the fire that swept through Running Springs last year. Knittingknerd, is that right?)

[knittingknerd]

Originally Posted by mamabot

I only mentioned lightning because of the fires that happen in the Mountains near me. If memory serves me correctly, the fire that swept through Running Springs last year. Knittingknerd, is that right?)

I thought it was a jerk who set that thing off. Looking online apparently it was the Butler 2 fire wasn't all the way out (smoldering tree trunks) and it was a kinda' a re-start.

It just sucked having to evac.

[MonstersGoBoo!]

Not to be judgmental or biased, but I have a feeling a good portion of these fires are being intentionally set. I mean, of course there is a possibility of electrical or accidental but looking back on last year, how many were intentional? 3 or 4 right? One was set by a 10 year old playing with matches!

Regarding the San Bernardino fire: Fire Closes San Bernardino Freeway for Second Time

Mike Arvizo, a city firefighter in San Bernardino, said the first reported fire started in a homeless camp and tore through brush and palm trees along the freeway. A homeless man was arrested for allegedly starting the blaze with cigarette butts.

Camp Pendleton is up in flames: SignOnSanDiego.com > News > North County -- Camp Pendleton fire still uncontained; residents flee

There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire, but the base commander, Col. James Seaton, insisted no live fire training was going on when the fire broke out.

I am praying that everyone in SB, Porter Ranch, and Oceanside will be alright.

[PrincessY]

I'm about 8-10 miles from the Juliette fire (Oceanside).

[Rex Dopey24]

Originally Posted by aimster

I honestly think some of these fires might be intentionally set. Someone must've missed fire safety day at school.

Someone is doing this on purpose and it disgusting. 2003 was the worst.

[Rex Dopey24]

Originally Posted by PrincessY

I'm about 8-10 miles from the Juliette fire (Oceanside).

i hope your alright.

[MonstersGoBoo!]

PrincessY, stay safe and try not to go outside too much!

[TinkPink]

Originally Posted by aimster

That's why I said they probably MISSED that day at school.

I think her point was that if someone set the fire intentionally, fire safety is a moot point. Fire safety is important for preventing accidental fires. Therapy is important for preventing purposeful ones.

[DisneyIPresume]

I think some of it has to do with the areas that were once sparsely populated when we were kids are now populated heavily with people and houses. I think there might have been a lot of fires out in places like the IE but they were rarely reported on because they didn't post too much of a threat to people or to what most people would consider to be valuable. I distinctly remember growing up here as a local and hearing the phrase, "It's out in Cucamonga," to mean that it's out in the middle of nowhere, and not literally meaning it is in Rancho Cucamonga.

Nowadays homes are closer to these areas so the fires get reported more. I suppose this increased attention to the fires could be incentive for arsonists, but I swear I've heard that the winds themselves blowing over the dry brush combined with the heat in and of itself creates enough friction to start a fire. Maybe I'm wrong?

[MickeyMousePal]

Fires were less common in the past. Now fires have increased because someone starts them. Most of the current fires are highly started by arson. I guess those people don't listen to Smokey, the Bear..."Only you can prevent wildfires." What ever happen to those commericals I haven't seen them quite sometime.

[sir clinksalot]

These news people amaze me.

They are interviewing these people near the flames, who have houses there and then say comments like "These people really should be leaving and not clogging up the streets with cars and people so the firefighters can get through".

Uhm ... what is it exactly you are doing???

Of course, were all watching anyway.

[Deanna]

I remember Malibu burning 30 years ago. We could see it from the Redondo Beach library, and my parents were still together, so I had to be 8 or 9.

Now, yep, it's every year. Probably population, some stupidity, and drought.

[aimster]

I remember the fires in Malibu in 1985. We were out there on vacation visiting my uncle who lived in Downey (he lives out int he desert in Phelan now). He took us to Long Beach one day and we could see the smoke from the Malibu fires from there.