PD Editorial: Conditions improve but threat remains

Favorable conditions on a number of fronts provided relief Tuesday in combating the destructive Valley fire which has consumed nearly 70,000 acres in Lake County as well as parts of Sonoma and Napa counties.

The most significant change was in the weather itself, as firefighting efforts benefited from cooler temperatures and lighter winds. Today there's even a chance of rain, according to the forecast, although it also comes with the possible danger of stronger winds.

Tuesday also saw improved conditions in the suppression effort as firefighters and equipment continued to pour in from all over the state and from outside California to combat what is regarded as the state's top firefighting priority.

Since Monday morning, the number of firefighters on the scene has more than doubled to nearly 2,400. Some are on the front lines, while others are providing a needed break for those who have been battling the blaze since Saturday. Fire crews also have brought about 100 more fire engines and 14 more all-important bulldozers.

The increased resources are a tribute to fire departments statewide as well as the quick recognition from those at the state level concerning the seriousness of this blaze. Just a day earlier, Gov. Jerry Brown and state fire and emergency officials announced that the Valley fire would be the top priority of three major fires burning in the state. Brown had already declared a state of emergency in Lake and Napa counties. A state of emergency also has been declared in Amador and Calaveras counties, where the Butte Fire has destroyed more than 150 homes and businesses and was only 37 percent contained as of Tuesday.

The governor probably said it best in observing, 'This is damn serious stuff.'

To underscore the seriousness, the change of conditions also allowed some evacuees to return home. For many, it was a grim trip.

According to the latest estimate, the Valley fire has consumed nearly 600 homes and claimed at least one life, Barbara McWilliams, a 72-year-old disabled woman who could not escape her home. In addition, four firefighters have been injured, and at least eight have lost their homes even as they battle to save the homes of others.

While conditions have improved, allowing the smoke to clear somewhat, locals know far too well how the situation can change suddenly and without warning. The harsh truth is that this, as of Tuesday, the fire was only 15 percent contained and we are not yet at the peak of fire season — a season that has already taken a devastating toll.

Caution and diligence are still needed. So are monetary donations. Kudos to all the many organizations and schools — far too many to name here — who have come up with creative ways to raise funds for fire victims. Don't let the milder weather dampen those efforts. Preliminary figures show this is already one of the most destructive fires in state history. What took minutes and 40 mph winds on Saturday to create — as well as four years of drought-fueled tinder conditions — will take, for some, a lifetime to get over. And they need all the community support they can get .

For complete wildfire coverage go to: www.pressdemocrat.com/wildfire