Wildfires are a major problem in California nearly every summer.  This year, they are very bad because the summer began with a month of hot dry weather that created dangerous fire conditions throughout California.  The coastal hills in California are covered with grasses, shrubs and scattered trees that are green during the winter months but typically turn brown and dry during the summer.  The valleys and canyons creasing those hills are choked with vegetation and trees that also tend to dry out during hot weather.  This semi-arid environment creates ideal conditions for the spread of fast burning wildfires. 

Over the past month, California has suffered with over 1200 wildfires.  Most of them were quickly extinguished by firfighters, but some have grown into massive blazes covering large areas.  A few have resisted all attempts to curb them.  Govenor Shwartzenegger has requested assistance from president Bush.  Army National Guard troops have been dispatched from other states to assist in firefighting.  Even firefighters from other countries are coming to join the battle.  Hopefully, all of the fires will be under control in the next few weeks.

Of particular concern to tourists, are the wildfires in the Big Sur area of the California Coast.  They have caused the closing of scenic Highway One, and have limited visitors' access to this popular tourist area.  Typically, California wildfires are not dangerous to tourists who can easily avoid them, but they can be a real nuisance when they cause the closing of highways and roads due to smoke.  They can also be an annoyance when the smoke drifts into cities and scenic areas many miles away.