We definitely have some arson involved, but not all arson. Always get opportunist during these firestorms. Too early to insinuate that we might have a sleeper cell that was waiting for the right conditions. The problem is the high winds. Watch some of the closeup videos of the fires. You will often see a building flaming away, but the flames are lying horizontal because of the wind. This is 2003 again with stronger winds and dryer vegetation.
The cause of the fires = low rainfall last year, i.e., dry brush + high winds + hot air temperatures. That is the classic recipe for this extent of brush fires.
The wind, the wind, the wind. Under the conditions, fires can spread extremely quickly. They are tricky to fight because of rugged terrain, because of the wind and because of the unpredictable nature of location.
We are seeing government at its best in the response to these fires.
God bless all the FIREFIGHTERS, and those who help to coordinate their activities.