ABOUT THIS BLOG

In Field Notes, NBC News will shed light on the stories that don't always make the headlines as well as offering analysis on the big and small stories of the day.

Regular contributors include NBC News correspondents, producers and staff based in bureaus across the country and on assignment.

Click here to read more about the journalists behind this blog.



‘Conditions are just perfect for a fire’

Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 9:41 AM

By Gene Choo, NBC News Producer

MALIBU, Calif – California Department of Forestry Battalion Chief Steve Shaw invited us to accompany one of his strike teams up to a ridge in the mountains above Malibu on Monday – the second day of the wildfires.

As he briefed his fire crew on what they would be doing, I was reminded of the many pre-op briefings I attended with coalition forces in Iraq. The precision and coordination of ground and air elements rivaled those of any military operation.

SLIDESHOW: Windy wildfires
The ridge where the fire teams were staging gave a magnificent view of the Malibu coast. The view was scarred however by an ugly brown blanket of smoke from the fires that refused to die.

"Don't let the lack of flames fool you," said Shaw. "The winds can kick up at any time and the flames can shoot right up."

‘Keep it coming’
Almost on cue, a big gust buffeted me and my crew. As we traversed a ridge, a line of smoke eaters vigilantly watched the still smoldering fire down in a canyon below as a fire crew trudged up out of the canyon to dig another firebreak carrying picks, shovels and heavy packs.

Again, they looked like a line of infantry coming back from a combat patrol. Their faces smeared with black dust. Just then, a firefighting Huey chopper swooped in low and dumped its payload of water.  "Our air support," said one firefighter. He talked into his walkie-talkie to the helicopter driver. "Keep it coming, keep it coming."

"The conditions are just perfect for a fire," said firefighter Josh Janssen. "Strong winds, totally dry – if the winds pick up, the flames can be right on top of us in no time."

As we left to file our story and feed tape, I looked back at the thin line of brave young men and women standing with their picks and shovels. They are the only thing holding this conflagration in check.

Shaw gave us a weary smile and waved farewell as he went back to directing his crew.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

I wish I could help! I wanted to move to San Diego, would still do so, if I had the right opportunity.

Dee, Houston, Texas (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 11:17 AM)

Every fall we get these Santa Ana weather conditions followed by the fires in Southern California.
I wonder if any efforts were done my the government to scientifically research, analyse, predict and prevent communities from burning down? Thank you.

Pouline, California (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:16 PM)

Its shameful that rich white people once again get preferential treatment while poor black, latino and whites get what we got in New Orleans. Native Americans used to celebrate the fires of Malibu because they were a natural counter to soil erosion. But the rich MUST HAVE at all cost their ocean views, ruining the environment in the process. They are in football stadiums happy as a lark because they know the government and the insurance companies will back them up. I for one have had enough. It is time to shake up this country like in the 30's and 60's and take back the riches stolen from us.

teresa, houston, texas (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:46 PM)

To Pouline comments. One thing they don't do is preventive-clearing burns. They just wait until the fires start and then react. Bad policy.

lyons san diego ca (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 12:51 PM)

can't fight nature

Mickey Lincoln ne (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:28 PM)

    These firefighters are true heroes in my book. Thye risk being burned alive if they make that one mistake. What bravery!
    Decades of fire suppression have done nothing but create large amounts of "meals-ready-to-eat" for any fire that occurs. It will take years to recover from these fires, and, hopefully, in the future, landowners will be more vigilant in keeping the grounds around their houses clean of such flammable debris.
    Also, there are several new products out that will protect a structure from burning. One is a gel that can be sprayed on the structure and will protect it from burning almost completely, and is quite cost-effective. I forget the name of the product, but it has been in several feature articles in the last few months.
    I have sympathy for all of the displaced residents who are affected by these fires. Please know that you are in our hearts and minds during these trying times.........    

Darrel In Edinboro, PA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:39 PM)

Southern California is one big tinderbox...does
global climate have any bearing? Georgia is parched,
New Orleans is drenched, the weather patterns are
getting less predictable

Mason Yu Jersey City (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:45 PM)

Quote:
"Its shameful that rich white people once again get preferential treatment while poor black, latino and whites get what we got in New Orleans"

You know why they get preferential treatment?  Because it's the white people that actually contribute to the economy, and make something of themselves in life!  They are worth preserving, they know how to make something of themselves, why many of the Mexicans, blacks, latinos, and asians, and only some whites just SAP resources and contribute little to the economy and CONSUME population.  That's WHY!

Lysimachus, Rhinelander, WI (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:45 PM)

Some places have been setting controlled burns. But when the Santa Ana winds are THIS strong, even that won't help.

Danielle Sylvie Taylor, San Jacinto, California (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:55 PM)

To Teresa in Houston - I wonder where all these poor people would be if not for weathly and upper middle class that contribute money for diasters in New Orleans just to have the local government steal 40% of it. Also who do you think pays all the taxes to support the poor and illegal immigrants' social services? The over population from this group puts a strain on our environment as well. We all need to do our part.

Cindy, Kirkland Wash (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:56 PM)

Theresa in Houston: Maybe that is because these people actually left when they were told to do so. also, they aren't running around looting (yet). It is amazing to me that the mayor and Governor screwed up so badly in Katrina, but the President got all of the blame. Quit race-baiting and get a grip!

Patrick Columbus, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 1:57 PM)

Nature will do what nature always has done for millions of years. If we choose to build in and inhabit areas which are below sea level;prone to earthquakes, floods and wildfires, etc.-then we should not be surprised when these natural disasters occur.

Joe DiGianni, Boston, Ma. (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 2:20 PM)

Wow, How did this dicussion degenerate into racial and soc-o-economic name calling and finger pointing. To put this back on the subject I have been familiar with the woodland firefighting system in Colorado and California for 30 years and I can guarantee that those men and women on the firelines have no concern for whether the work they do saves a million dollar home or a 1954 trailer.

Bruce, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 2:28 PM)

Thank you Bruce for the sensible truthful words.  There is NO reason to bring up one's nationality or economic status.  Tragedy is tragedy regardless of backgrounds.  I have relatives on the firelines in SoCal.  My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the firefighters.  No matter who we are or where we are...we all want to be safe!

Susan B, Fresno CA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 2:37 PM)

i think its ridiculous how people like Theresa bring up the race card. Honey are you Black/Latina yourself? Don't be bitter. I, myself, understand that those people who are "rich and white" also make smart and quick decisions when FIRE OFFICIALS warn them that they will be in danger to leave--actually leave.  As for Katrina residents, people there were warned continuously to leave.  I understand that people in low-income situations cannot just easily pick-up and leave, but we have FAMILIES for a reason.  think about it.

Awesomeness, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 2:51 PM)

To Teresa in Texas...what happened in New Orleans is a travesty...how this administration stays in power is beyond me...but...everyone is being taken care of equally in California....there are not only rich people in the stadium.  There is no comparison between the Southern California firestorms and what happened in New Orleans.

Cheryl, La Mesa, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:03 PM)

My prayers go out for the fire fighters and all the people and animals caught up in these fires.  

Betty Johnson Tehachapi Ca. (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:11 PM)

My 20 year old cousin is a seasonal firefighter with the USFS.  He fought the fire in Lake Tahoe earlier this summer and I wouldn't doubt he's down there now battling these...he even outran the fire in Lake Tahoe while two of his crewmembers had to deploy their "tents".  He was so happy that he was able to save homes.  I come from a family of volunteer firefighter's and they don't care what type of home it is, as long as they are trying to save someone's livelihood.

April, Meadow Vista, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:18 PM)

I don't want Bush using my city as another tool for his failed policy.  Our state has an economy comparable to the majority of developed nations and an efficient infrastructure to support whatever needs we have right now.  We are capable of dealing with this ourselves, so please stay out of our business.  Getting the federal government involved is only going to needlessly tie up valuable resources and make people's lives worse than they already are.

Bush, stay out of this.  We are more than capable of dealing with this on our own, and your presence would  be insulting and offensive.  You are not welcome in Southern California!  We do not need or want you.

San Diego (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:19 PM)

the communities should have a comphrehensive fire plan that creates fire breaks and brush removal to keep the consumable awau from housing .  people resist doing this because they want the trees/ vegetation while creating the very problem they face now every time it is dry in Cal.  I live in a old growth forest fortunately we have had enough rain and also do not have the canyons which funnel the wind and increase the problem.  to be safe for future SOCAL will have to decide trees or houses.  To pay to rebuild without changing the risk is foolish.

dwight (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:37 PM)

Terrific efforts by the firefighters.  Let's keep the focus on them instead of who out of the rich and famous are having their enormous homes threatened.  They can rebuild...many cannot.

Jennifer Butler, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:47 PM)

If there is anybody to blame it's the enviromental groups like The Sierra Club. They fight to keep us from being able to clear parts of the forest of dead trees and brush that fuel these fires. Maybe now they will learn their lesson.

Pit Kaine, Gridley, Ca (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 3:55 PM)

I feel bad for ANYONE who looses their home to any disaster, however, I from what I has seen, read and heard, these fire cannot be stopped by conventional means. These homes probably will be rebuilt, and will more than likley burn again. The insurance companies will pay the claims, but not loos a dime in profits. They will simply pass the cost on to us. Even the ones who don't live in burning zones or flood planes... and the beat goes on...

Kevin, Pittsburgh, pa. (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 4:26 PM)

"Every fall we get these Santa Ana weather conditions followed by the fires in Southern California.
I wonder if any efforts were done my the government to scientifically research, analyse, predict and prevent communities from burning down?"
+My friend I am afraid that government research isn't going to be of any help. That whole area in Southern Cal is chapparal country, and one of the most characteristic aspects of that biome is fire! It is supposed to burn! That's what it does and what it evolved to do for many thousands of years. This land just doesn't know that a bunch of people decided to build alot of houses there.

Breck in Spokane WA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 5:00 PM)

I for one have been a San Diego and California resident for over 50 years. This is a cobination of bad luck, worse Santa Ana's and a Fire Department all over the county  short funded. Your right don't finger wag"shame on us all"'We had better hold it together and look around our area and our world, something very wrong is going on!

D Fairbanks,Rainbow south 15, Escondido,Ca. (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 5:02 PM)

why does everything have to turn into a race card? it has absolutely nothing to do with crisis situations.

california has wildfires every year just like the south has severe storms every year. people in california are aware of what could happen when the fire season begins, just as the residents in new orleans, houston and other areas know the potential damage that can be caused from a storm. it seems to me the difference between these areas is that the people in california know how to LISTEN and get away from danger. i'm sorry but if you can't follow instructions provided by the local and federal governments, you have no right to complain about preferential treatment. deaths and injuries in katrina could have been prevented if people just followed directions. why stay in your house? are you going to stop the storm with your bare hands so it won't destroy your house? NO. just like the people in california aren't going to stop a wildfire from burning down their homes. evacuation warnings are there for a reason.

teresa, you say that riches were stolen from you. i'm not sure what you mean by that, but last time i checked, no matter what race you are, you have to work hard to get anywhere in life. i have MANY friends of other races and they are ashamed by people who insist that whites reap all the benefits. i thought we were fighting for EQUALITY, but it sounds to me like you and people like you want... *gasp* preferential treatment! get a grip.

and to those in san diego, los angeles and the surrounding areas, my prayers go out to you. may all of you be safe.

pb, san luis obispo, ca (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 6:10 PM)

I think it needs to be said that whether trees are cleared and dry grass is cut back, it's going to burn!  The heat and ferocity of these fires is not going to be held back by a 30 foot cleared path.  It is embers floating through the air that keep sparking these new outcrops of fire.  The fire crews are doing a hell of a job with the resources they have.  Earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, fire...earth, wind, water, fire.  It just happens!

Andrea, Fresno, CA (Sent Tuesday, October 23, 2007 7:34 PM)

In my high school... almost half of my school did not show up today. Most were called out of school since their parents were being evacuated. My cousins who go to UC San Diego and UC Riverside are stuck in their dorms.

Thanks to all the firefighters who are so brave.
Thanks to all the people donating to the people evacuating.

--It's sad. I wake up this morning to get ready for school, and I look out and see 8 cars parked outside my house. Children and parents sleeping in there. They evacuated from San Diego or something according to my neighbors. It's sad.

Praying for them.

For some reason, my parents have made me start packing incase we have to evacuate. A lot of my teachers and some of my peers said we might have to evacuate if the fires surrounding us approach us too closely.

Some 14 year old kid, somewhere, California (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 12:06 AM)

In fire-prone regions, build with concrete and bricks, not wood and shake roofs.

Ken L, Vancouver BC (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 2:52 AM)

Im so sad with what happen in California. Since  yesterday i was updating the news. I remember from the book of Revelation about fire. It's not good to point on this crisis situation about politics, races,etc. I think the best thing  to do is pray those firefighters .......

Lai Dadula, Philippines (Sent Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:50 AM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)