ok... just a second...
let's reflect on the nature of the situation.
The coastal sage scrub of SoCal is a fire-adapted plant community. It builds up dead plant material so when the stray spark flies, it can burst into flame immediately. Once burned, it has a variety of methods to regrow quickly - root-sprouting, and more. Seed germination in most of the species found there are enhanced, if not triggered, by the chemicals found in the smoke. This plant community follows a natural cycle of fire and regrowth. Depending upon rain and drought, this cycle - which ends and begins in fire - will take anywhere from 10 to 25 years to complete. Invading species have no chance of surviving, unless they too are fire-adapted. We're an invading species. Are we fire adapted? Why do so many people choose to live in a region where their homes are destined to be burned every 10-25 years? Why aren't these people informed?
Now... should you prosecute a 10 year old kid for starting a fire that could have just as easily started by two dry blades of grass rubbing?
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"Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq
"violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy
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