jc prs

Slide1: 

Why were the fires so bad? 1. Very wet year followed by drought = Lots of very dry fuel. 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 Jan. 5 – 13, 2005 Total Prcp (Jul-Jun) Total Prcp (Jul-Jun) Los Angeles: 15.14” Los Angeles: 3.21” Santa Ana: 8.50” Santa Ana: 2.19” Costa Mesa: 8.90” Costa Mesa: 2.83” Santiago Peak: 23.42” Santiago Peak: 7.80” Los Angeles Prcp: 37.25” Metro Area Avg: ~13 – 15 inches OC Mountains Avg: ~20 – 25 inches

Slide3: 

2. 100-year Fire Suppression has created hazardous forests Fires are part of a forest's natural cycle Burn the underbrush, usually stay away from the tree-tops Burn at regular cycles, keeping forest floor clear, allowing next fire to stay near ground