I just received a phone call from ' The Fireman's Benevolent Fund' asking for a easy,C/C donation to help the families of the firecrews. The scam artists move faster than the fires <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />I watched incredulously a motorist toss a cigarette out her window. A CHP unit appeared from nowhere and PUT HER IN HANDCUFFS. The massive volume of smoke and particulates is an obvious immediate health threat. Anyone recently relocated to the Southwest US, California & Mexico should be aware of Coccidioidomycosis, commonly called Valley Fever. This is a soil fungus that affects the lungs with severe,prolonged flu like symptoms and fatique. A simple blood test will diagnose the illness and treatment is available. Weakened immune systems, african americans, asians and women in the 3rd trimester of pregnacy have increased incidents of infection. Drought,major earthquakes and FIRE release this fungus into the air. Dogs have been diagnosed , other livestock's vulnerability has not been shown.

In reply to:
"watched incredulously a motorist toss a cigarette out her window"
It reminds me of an old quote:

"Against stupidity, the gods themselves contend in vain"

I am lost for words!
joblot