Re: closed for how long?

The Yellowstone fire is actually a good example of how successful fires can be. Everyone claimed that Yellowstone was devastated by this tremendous fire, but now ten years later the forest there is healthy and thriving. Arsons are a problem, but if the perimeter around structures is protected, fires - whether natural or not - won't be a problem. I am of the belief that every piece of wild land in California (and the entire West) ought to be burning once every 5-10 years. These fires would not be devastating because there would be so little fuel. They would clear out the underbrush and grasses and allow larger vegetation to thrive. To be clear, I'm not recommending setting intentional fires, but rather letting nature (and accidents) take its course.