when my family and I were on vacation recently, (not too far from where the brave firemen lost their lives) it quickly became apparent to us how fire was a very real danger in this desert land. it was not uncommon to see no smoking signs posted in outdoor "fire danger" areas. I met a woman who told me it can sometimes be difficult for her to breathe outside when they burn the control fires there. I remember thinking at the time that their concerns of nature's wrath were so different from the ones we have here on long island.
if you want to donate to the people who protect all that we cherish, here are some links.