Southern California in State of Emergency as Fires Rage
Our thoughts are with those of you in Southern California affected by the fires. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency as fires encroach on a set of important media communications towers atop Mount Wilson.
Whatever you do, don't try to ride out the fire in a hot tub: "While thousands have already fled the Station fire, two people who tried to ride out the firestorm in a backyard hot tub were critically burned. The pair in Big Tujunga Canyon, on the southwestern edge of the fire, 'completely underestimated the fire' and the hot tub provided 'no protection whatsoever,' Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said Sunday."
A news report as well as a time-lapse video of plumes of smoke from the Station Fire over L.A., AFTER THE JUMP...
Having moved to LA from NYC a few months ago, what kills me is learning that 95% of the fires are caused by reckless campers and drivers throwing cigarette butts out of their cars while on the freeways. It hasn't rained one day since I've been here, coupled with the dry atmosphere, lack of rain, dry brush and human recklessness, i'm surprised all of SoCal hasn't burned already.
Posted by: CJ | Aug 31, 2009 10:03:50 AM
The fires are destructive, but they're also neccesary for the ecosystem. This happens each and every fall.
Posted by: Harry | Aug 31, 2009 11:27:24 AM
Please leave me alone.
Posted by: j | Aug 31, 2009 12:00:57 PM
Ugh, the smoke has made its way here to the high desert. Nasty stuff.
Posted by: Vince | Aug 31, 2009 12:46:57 PM
Whatever.
This happens every year. Every single year.
And the idiots keep on building single family homes in the danger zone. Because God forbid somebody should interrupt their suburban, car culture lifestyle. Typical California greed and stupidity.
Posted by: John | Sep 1, 2009 2:20:58 PM