Cal. Burning

Because in many areas it is difficult to manage underbrush, the areas are far too remote. Controlled burns are also almost impossible to control in these areas because of unpredictable winds. Many folks think these fires are occurring in lust verdant areas but they are not. High deserts contain an enormous amount of fuel, and frankly no one can control lightning strikes or arsonists. I know several folks whose homes are being threatened by the Holy fire. I once lived in a rural area that was evacuated three days ago. Many of these people have practiced good fire prevention tactics over the years. They’ve cleaned a radius of brush around their property, often plowing or digging fire breaks pre need, roofed with fireproof or fire resistant materials. They also manage to store some water and keep generators on hand for when power goes out and they need to wet down houses and property. But frankly 10, 000 gallons of water don’t last very long when you are dumping it on a property.

High desert is quite different than desert RebYidd. Each ecosystem supports different plant and animal life. In CA greasewood is found in the chaparral biome and is a major source of fuel. In areas that haven’t historically burned the vegetation is dense and adapted to drought and low moisture levels. Deserts have vegetation that is much sparser than the chaparral and fires are easily localized.