Only spring really and the fire season is upon us. Last sunday we drove down to Burbank to shop at IKEA and just after topping the grade above The Grapevine, and between Santa Clarita, we started seeing the heavy smoke up ahead, A few minutes later and we were IN IT. The smoke was so dense and filled the cab of our pickup. Within a few minutes I actually started feeling nauseaus and lightheaded. We were surprised the freeway had not been shut down. I can see how people can be overcome within minutes and barely even be aware of whats happening to them.

Another 5 minutes or so though and we were out of it, thankfully. On our return trip that night the extent of the damage was more apparent, in the blackened skies the hills for miles were alive with glowing coals and areas of flames shooting to the heavens. But it seemed to be under control.

This fire, along with the one in Griffith Park ( the park's worst in at least three decades and the latest of several to strike the Hollywood Hills in what has been the driest year on record) signal a long, and dangerous season.