WILDFIRE NEWS OF THE DAY - 022509

The trial of the suspected Esperanza Fire arsonist is wrapping up, with final arguments being presented tomorrow; and investigators revealed that the Juliet Fire that burned on the grounds of Camp Pendleton last year was apparently started, in part, by a Marine on maneuvers. Fire agencies in Lake Tahoe region are executing a delicate balance to reforest areas burned by the Angora Fire; while in Arkansas, residents are being invited to educational meetings to find out more about wildfires and bark beetles. Two articles recount how the Texas Fire Service has been called in to deal with wildfires threatening a religious community there amid concerns for, of all things, booby traps on the community grounds! South African vineyards are threatened by wildfires in that region; and dozens of residents in Southwestern China fled wildfires that threatened their homes. While many fires are human-caused this next article from India reveals that even religious ceremonies can get out of hand and spark a wildfire! Thousands of firefighters from Australia and surrounding regions worked frantically to erect defensive lines ahead of renewed wind and heat in Victoria state; and the Australian government expressed its thanks for help from neighbors. Concerns over how ongoing bushfires could imperil the region with a water crisis is the topic of the next article. In Victoria state, an article explains why residents are upset about lack of vegetation clearance by forestry agencies; followed by a study of how environmentalism is impacting the worsening bushfires in Australia. With only 60% of claims evaluated, insurance companies in Australia are already projecting nearly $1 billion in claims for bushfires to date; and The Discovery Channel discusses the possibilities of climate change being a factor in the worsening wildfire problem. As the number of bushfire victims reaches 210, forensic teams continue to comb the burn areas and appeal to relatives of the missing for information; but in the midst of all this devastation, several groups have been actively rescuing hundreds of horses that were affected by the bushfires.

Defense rests case in fatal Calif. wildfire trial

Marine charged in Camp Pendleton wildfire

Tahoe officials ready $15 million restoration of Angora Fire site

Wildfire plan on agenda: Spruce bark beetle program to host peninsulawide talks

Fire in Callahan County threatens buildings

Wildfires keep area crews busy

Historic Cape wine farms under threat as bushfires draw nearer

More than 100 homes evacuated after fire in SW China forest park

Devotees suspect in Dalma forest fire

Aus firefighters race to beat new danger

High Commissioner praises PNG for flood, bushfire response

The bushfires could worsen our water crisis

Victorian bushfires ignite debate about local bushland

The Victorian Bushfires: How Environmentalism Leads to Disaster

Vic bushfire insurance claims top $800m

Wildfires Could Be a Force Against Climate Change

Grim search for bushfire victims continues

Australia Bushfires: Groups See to Horse Health, Care