WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 120508

In today's wildfire news, we lead off with an article that addresses something that is seldom mentioned when people are evacuated: where people with pets can find accommodations for them. Next up, another accidental arsonist is sentenced, followed by an article about the trial of an arsonist whose handiwork was anything but accidental. Residents of San Luis Obispo are marking the end of the official fire season (although in California, is there really an end to the fire season), while Kentucky arson investigators are looking over the remains of a historic fire lookout tower that was intentionally burned. Banff National Park in Canada will be conducting controlled burns after the first of the year, sparking controversy between groups with opposite views of such events. Lush, tropical Thailand is actually worried about their impending fire season due to a La Nina effect in the Pacific, while the Forestry Minister from Syria is hoping to profit from neighboring Turkey's extensive experience in fighting wildfires. Heading to Australia, New South Wales fire authorities are dispensing tips to residents about dealing with bushfires in what it being portrayed as an horrific season this year, and foresters in Victoria state provide some facts and figures on how operations in that area are coming along.

Rabbits Evacuated During California Wildfires

Man is sentenced in Yosemite-area wildfire

Esperanza Fire arson, murder case on track for January trial

SLO County fire season set to close next week

Blaze damages historic fire tower

Banff park plans controlled burns

Wildfire season is 'likely to be severe'

Syrian Forestry Minister visits Bolu

Time right to become fire aware

VicForests looking to better times