[Slick61]

actually, it's not too terribly surprising... the second wettest year on record, followed by the second dryest year on record. Loads of fuel to burn. Have only had 2 or 3 light showers since april. Combine that with the Santa Ana winds (typical for this time of year) with single-digit humidity and poof! Most of the original fires were caused by downed power lines from the high winds, & several other were the result of burning embers being carried on the high winds.