Lightning and Fire

It really is simple:

If you live in an area that has an ecosystem that depends on fire (hints are usually there: plants that do not germinate without their seeds being scorched, for instance), and you suppress fire for a hundred years, you are going to face some nasty fires when the thing finally goes.

Of course, as I look out on the curry-colored sky, I can say, "oh, yeah, well that does us a lot of good now."

But this round of fires will eventually pass, and the areas that were hit will have significantly lower fuel loads, but will we change our fire policies? Probably not, and I cannot say that I would do any differently if my position as Grand Emperor, Autark, and Sovereign Poohbah of These Parts, Those Parts and Some Other Parts were recognized by the Armed Forces and the Bureaucrats. We have buildings surrounded by massive fuel loads, and control burns would quickly become out-of-control burns.

Of course vegetation can be physically thinned (death to all Scotch Broom!), and should be, and I imagine that anyone living in a canyon in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, etc. Counties would be at least thinking about spending some quality time with implements of pruning.

And that would be a capital opportunity for beer consumption!

So, We the Grand Emperor, Autark and Sovereign Poohbah of These Parts, Those Parts and Some Other Parts, hereby declare this coming Saturday a "Beer and Gardening Day", thus stimulating wholesome activities, fire safety and landscaping. Additionally, anyone planting fruit and vegetables is to be commended for participating in the Agricultural greatness that is California. And furthermore, those living near our Beloved and Cherished Wine Country have extra obligations to protect the vineyards from fire, and, in doing so, have Our eternal gratitude.

Ruling from the House Absolute, We are Erik I, Grand Emperor, etc.

Be safe out there.