California is inundated with smoke. The hundreds of forest fires from around the state have resulted in one smoky period for the Valley. To make matters worse, the weather has become hotter, making it harder for fire fighters to combat the blazes. Temperatures around the Valley today are in the triple digits.

It wasn't that long ago that ValleyVue reported on the fires from San Diego and Malibu. Well, OK, so it was long ago, but only a couple of posts... Anyways, today, fires rage around the state, with the larger ones being near Santa Barbara, around Fairfield, and in Butte County. Fires also are burning in the Butte River Complex, Big Sur, and the American River Complex. The range of the fires must be stretching the fire fighters thin, as Governor Schwarzenegger has called for the National Guard troops under his authority to help with the fires.

Some evacuations have occurred or are pending, which affects thousands of Californians. The bulk of Californians are affected more by the pollution hanging in the air than by being threatened with losing their home. (Well to disaster anyways. This is about fires, not foreclosures. We'll save that one for another report). The air quality is listed as unhealthy for all, and there is little Californians can do about it. Even the usually ubiquitous "Spare the Air" warnings seem not to be around. Apparently, it doesn't seem right to issue calls to reduce air pollution when the task is so definitively futile.

One thing's for sure--the air will clear. Californians will again be able to return to their famous outdoors lifestyle without fear of health repercussions. In the meantime, we stay indoors, use our air conditioners, and pray for the safety of those courageous enough to fight our fires under these extreme conditions.