[browardchad]

The commission says more than 90 percent of the fires involved clearing of fields and pastures, a traditional practice in farm country before the summer rains, which begin in June.

The Chronicle tries at first to give the impression these are natural fires, then buries this gem in the middle of the article.

The air quality issue should make for a good class-action suit against Mexico. It might even force them to bring their farming practices into the 20th Century. The smoke reaches Florida also, but the prevailing winds keep it moving.

[buffyt]

...and some of the fires are out of control.... and some are from SOUTH of Mexico even.... this is nuts!!!! WE have new rules for car emissions started May 1, 2003 and what good will it do to have clean emissions from our cars when our air is thick as pea soup from south of the border smoke.... sheesh