January arrived with strong winds and super low humidity. Actually, the winds started in November and burned through the foothills of our town and the farm area behind us. We lost a lot of houses in that fire, but nothing could have prepared us for the fires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. I’ve lived in California most of my life and never saw winds near the ocean at 100 miles per hour. To have five fires break out almost simultaneously was an event that you hope doesn’t get repeated. The bottom line is no rain since the early fall, and that was .10 of an inch. January and February are usually our heaviest rain months. For the last two years we have had above average rainfalls which of course made the grasses grow. Since January 7th, we have had non stop winds and the start of the Palisades and Eaton fires. Today, there are still new fires igniting all around. It rains down ash and ruins the air quality and people’s lives. I would say most of us in California are stunned. To get non-stop red flag alerts is not common. The picture I posted today was from my yard even though the fire itself was at least 50 miles or more from us, yet the air was thick with smoke and ash.
Now our weather is supposed to change and bring rain this weekend. It would be a welcome relief for many just to tamp down the dust and bring a little relief to the exhausted firemen and our plants.
California isn’t alone in this new fire storm era. It is happening around the world. We all need to do more to protect the land. I think of my own property. Because of the drought conditions we are in now, I have left all our leaves from the Chinese elm around the plants, trees and hedges to keep them from drying out too much. But now, I am thinking of what a fire hazard they are. I will need to replace the leaves with stones.
Dry January in our house used to mean a time to reset your diet, reduce sweets and eliminate alcohol for a month. It may sound a lot like lent, but we do it early. Now we are faced with .5% humidity, dry winds 40 mph and stronger. We can only hope February and March are more generous with the rain.
Just as I was about to post this, the rain arrived. Not much; only a half inch. What a relief it was for all of us. A gentle rain that took the edge off. We are now at the start of February, so my post was a little delayed. Here is hoping February can make up our rain difference and stave off any more fires.
Reflections Outside My Window 