> Scientists estimate that prior to European settlement in California, fires burned approximately 4.5 million acres annually in California. In comparison, betw

> Scientists estimate that prior to European settlement in California, fires burned approximately 4.5 million acres annually in California. In comparison, between 1950 and 1999, fires burned about 250,000 acres annually, less than 6 percent of the historical average. Within a few years, the natural fire regime in which Sierra forests evolved and thrived largely ceased. This not only set up a perfect storm for massive wildfires, but also makes you think it this had something to do with the droughts. If there's millions of extra trees consuming/holding water, it's not crazy to think this may be related.