ARE GLOBAL WARMING AND FOREST FIRES LINKED?

Two items in the news support the theory that global warming may be affecting forest fires. A study reported by Yahoo News pointed to new data correlated from the US Forest Service, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency and the California Energy Commission that may support the theory that global warming is creating ideal conditions for wildfires. An interview on National Public Radio underscores the fact that wildfires are growing in their intensity, possibly due to global warming. Researchers who studied wildfires over the past 25 years stated that this trend was "strongly associated with increased spring and summer temperatures and an earlier spring snowmelt." Even the White House science folks are reluctantly agreeing that global warming may be occurring. If this trend continues, the current wildland firefighting forces, which are already stretched thin, may be pushed beyond their breaking point, especially if funding cuts continue. The bills which are designed to get the grounded air-tankers back in the air will become all the more important if this is the case. Let me know what you think via e-mail at marcher47@firebomberpublications.com.