With one million people evacuated, thousands of homes destroyed and hundreds of fire fighters risking their lives to save even more, southern Californians once more wake up and smell the smoke. What is most true of the human condition is what we struggle most to deny: We are animals on a planet. And every so often, through earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and fire, the planet asserts its authority.

Yes, some of the fires were set by arsonists, but they were spread and fueled by record drought and Santa Ana winds. In a town built on make-believe, this is the reality we need to accept. Not just this year, but for decades to come. Because, unless your head is also up George Bush's ass, no one's predicting global cooling any time soon.

Aside from that brief, freakish storm back in September, do you remember the last time it rained? Yet, every day, we see folks hosing down their sidewalks. Turn on the tap. Water comes out. But this week, the consequences of living in a desert bit back hard. We can water our lawns, but we can't water our canyons and forests.

So, if your home is still standing, enjoy another perfect day, LA. But don't be surprised if next year at this time Paul Moyer is back on "Firewatch."

  By Toby Muller