Where The Wildfires Are

As if California didn't have enough problems, it's wildfire season again.

Firefighters this morning were battling several large brush fires across California, including a wind-driven blaze in the Santa Cruz Mountains that was threatening several towns and forced thousands to evacuate.

Gusty winds continued to hamper efforts to fight the brush fires, and weather forecasters said the conditions should continue through the weekend.

The greatest danger is posed by the blaze burning north of Santa Cruz, which has destroyed two structures and consumed more than 2,800 acres and is 15% contained. Named the Lockheed fire, the blaze is being driven by heavy winds, and hand crews have experienced trouble reaching the fire lines. As a result, the fire is mostly being fought by air. That fire started Wednesday evening and is threatening Swanton, Davenport and Bonny Doon.

Keep in mind California's budget cuts mean fewer firefighters to try to prevent these wildfires from starting and fewer firefighters to stop these when they flare up. That means they'll spread further, do more damage, and possibly claim more lives.

You also have to keep in mind that decades of expensive wildfires have really taken their toll on the state as well. And in California, it's almost impossible to raise taxes. That means budget cuts for everyone...including firefighters.

Of course, the solution is more tax cuts, according to our Republican friends, right?