Late fall is the time for wildfires here. There is a weather pattern called "the Santa Anna" or "Devil Wind" where hot air from the desert east of us build up such a high pressure that it reverses the normal flow of air from the ocean going east and we have a long period (several days) of super dry, hot, desert air flowing west instead. It makes for a toasty warm Thanksgiving most years, and when there has been a bit of rain to grow some grass, tumble weeds, and perhaps even add a leaf or two to the remaining trees, this wind dries them out and gets them ready for a hot, fast burn. If a fire is started in the east, and the wind lasts for a few more days to blow the fire west, it can make a real mess of things. That's what has happened this year. But all in all, it isn't bad. A few people died (mostly old, infirm, or just bull-headed), a small percentage of the homes were destroyed (my house is now worth a bit more), and about %25 of the population was evacuated for a while (had a big assed party in Qualcomm) and are now starting to head home. I assume the insurance industry will cry for help and your tax dollars will pay for a small boom in new home construction (unlike in New Orleans) and all will be well. All in all, the worst part of it is most likely the long term effects of poor air quality. That ash has more than burnt wood in it... -- James Newton -----Original Message----- From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Alex Harford Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2007 07:58 To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. Subject: Re: [OT]California wild fire On 10/24/07, James Newton wrote: > more air planes to drop water if the winds are low enough, James, I believe that BC is sending a water bomber your way, after they get it out of winter storage! Are fires in October the norm, or do they usually occur in the summer? Alex -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist