The current California fires are unprecedented. Our prayers are directed to God that He would bestow mercy on the entire state. In commenting about this disaster we desire to be compassionate and respectful notwithstanding cause and effect are top of mind for California residents. Government officials and politicians are inclined to take credit when favorable events occur, but the same officials are vulnerable when events in their jurisdictions deteriorate. People elected to positions of leadership must balance the potential for receiving both honor and dishonor.
In the case of current California fires, commentators have attributed the primary cause to an intense dry spell plaguing the area in the last half of 2024. Los Angeles County received only 0.03” of measured precipitation—less than 1% of the normal rainfall during this time period. A calamitous drought has made vegetation “bone dry.”
The drought has been exacerbated by strong northeast Santa Ana winds. Air over high elevations to the east is funneled to sea level through river valleys. This compresses the air producing higher temperatures and very low humidity. Fires are intensified by extremely low humidity and winds which dry out vegetation. Fires quickly spread by burning embers to surrounding areas by wind gusts.
Fires can be triggered by lightning, faulty power lines, arsonists, campers, and a variety of other factors. Authorities in California are uncertain about causes of each fire, but there is no uncertainty about their devastating effects. At this writing, twenty-seven residents have perished while many more are missing; thousands of structures have been destroyed.
In early 2024 we posted facts concerning a weather phenomenon which brought heavy rains to the same area of California area now suffering from intense drought. Remarkably, in one calendar year west coast weather systems experienced a virtual reversal. The weather phenomena are termed atmospheric rivers:
https://jasscience.blogspot.com/2024/03/atmospheric-rivers-and-climate-change.html
Weather systems are similar to any other system. A system is defined as a group of inter-related, interacting elements forming a complex entity. Weather systems are laden with elements such as temperature, humidity, density, pressure, wind speed, and the presence of a source of ignition such as a spark or a flame. These elements are commonly reported during weather reports and forecasts.
Humanity is subject to a physical “operating system” established by God, the Creator of All Things. Genesis 1:28 states humanity must exercise dominion over the natural world. Dominion relates to authority over living things, and by extension, “every thing that (God) had made (Gen. 1:31). This includes the planetary “operating system” initially established by God Himself.
We propose that many government leaders have not exercised wise dominion in managing weather-dependent forest and water resources: creating and maintaining fire breaks by clearing dead brush, retaining an adequate supply of water in reservoirs, and thoughtful community planning. Historically, there have been many natural disasters caused by floods, droughts, and wildfires. We repeat our desire to be compassionate to all citizens who suffered loss in California.
Our Creator has mandated creation care for humanity. This applies not only to people of faith, but also to people who are not aware of the Creator’s mandate to exercise dominion and authority. Believers must continue to pray for our government’s leaders. May God grant them wisdom to manage our natural resources.
