California's Fire Season Flaring Up Once Again

miloburriscoulter5

May 16, 2021

2 min read

FRAZIER PARK, CA - The San Emigdio Mountains are in a drought once again. The lack of overall precipitation and warmer temperatures are resulting in dry rivers and grass with a scary fire season outlook. National Forest Resource Officer Ivana Noell knows how these years can play out undesirably, as she is based out of Frazier Park.

An abnormally dry creek meanders its way through the San Emigdio Mountains. Photo by Milo Burris-Coulter

"There’s definitely drier winters and hotter summers and those contribute considerably to fire." - Ivana Noell

The goal of the local fire departments that are near dry terrain is to not only save the natural environment, but also human lives.

"People that can be effected by wild land fires should certainly take it with all seriousness. The program Ready! Set! Go!, in other words have your personal effects ready to go." - Chief Fire Management Officer Ken Nelson

On the flip side, people are enjoying the lack of snow and taking in the nice weather at the top of the highest peak in the area, Mount Pinos. Local skiers are now opting for mountain biking instead to maneuver the usually snow covered trails, even in early May.

“This year I kinda skipped out on the skiing so much because the season was pretty bad so I'm happy now that I can ride my mountain bike.” - Andy, local mountain biker

Mutual aid is given amongst those fighting fires in the West. What this means is different fire departments help other ones inundated with fires to put them out. With so many fires projected to occur throughout the Western States this year, this may become even more difficult to manage.

With the lack of rain and snowfall in the area it could mean even worse for the state as a whole. California could face some real bad implications as a result of climate change. Reservoirs are at their lowest levels in years.

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