Seems kind of strange to already here the message that Cal Fire put out this week to Californians.
Especially when we have had record rainfall amounts this winter, record high accumulations of snow, and this week, and the talk about the flooding that could be coming as the giant snow pack melts.
Virtually the entire state is officially not in drought status and it’s been quite some time since that last happened.
Just look around at the hillsides and the mountains and the banks along the freeways. Greener than we have seen them in a long time with colors of yellow and purple from native flowers and native weeds.
Yet you probably heard the stories this week, with a top Cal Fire official urging you to cut back your vegetation around your house to reduce the risk of wildfires.
And we all have seen the way all the rain this winter has led to lots of weeds and lots of giant weeds and lots of grass and brush.
So Cal Fire of course is just reminding us that at some point later this year, when the frequency of rain slows down and the warmer and drier weather comes our way as it normally does in late summer and early fall, much of the greens, yellows and purples could turn brown if it gets hot enough.
It is wise to be prepared of course, but it’s also kind of nice to be able to not worry about wildfires at least for a while, and at least be able to enjoy the abundant and colorful views of nature that we don’t often see in San Diego.
(Photo c.e. albert)