While suburbs of Athens fought wildfires this summer, California too was being affected.
The cost of the California wildfires this summer has surpassed 100 million dollars, and the figure continues to climb. This amount only accounts for the price of firefighters, equipment and materials. It doesn’t even take into account loss of life, property or natural resources. Add these to the bottom line, and the price tag balloons into the billions. California tourism is just one of the many casualties.
California wildfires aren’t a new phenomenon. Every spring and summer the hot, dry state contends with wildfires on an assortment of fronts. Many are ignited by natural causes, like lightning. A handful are due to other causes, like human carelessness and even arson.
This year’s fire in the Angeles National Forest has burned through over half the state’s annual emergency fire fund. The devastation continues in the park, though firefighters now have the fire about half contained.
California wildfires occupy a regular portion of the state’s annual budget. Fire is a chronic problem for the southern portion of the state. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger doubled the annual emergency fire budget in July 2009 from $69 million to $182 million. The move appears to have come none too soon.
The California wildfires appear to be taking at least a small toll on California tourism. Several fires have ignited around the state this season in addition to the Angeles National Forest fire near Los Angeles. The fires drove residents from their homes. It also drove tourists from the forest.
California tourism officials are scrambling to stave off any further financial hits from lost tourism dollars. Much effort has been put into communicating that most tourist attractions, roads, highways, campgrounds and hotels remain open. California tourism officials fear tourists may simply assume that the state isn’t a viable tourist destination at this time. Instead, they’re urging tourists to check with sources like the official California tourism website when making travel plans.
Fortunately for Californians, residents won’t necessarily be forced to bear the full brunt of the fire-fighting bills. California wildfires may qualify for federal financial assistance depending on their location(s). The fire in the Angeles National Forest is one of these. The state has also qualified for some financial assistance from FEMA, since some of the fires have threatened private homes. Over 75 homes have been destroyed by wildfires so far this year.
It’s a distinct possibility that the state may indeed burn up its entire annual emergency fire fund. Governor Schwarzenegger says that, should this happen, officials will turn to the state’s $500 million general emergency fund.
However, when it comes to California tourism, there will be no one to bail out the state or its budget. This is why officials have been quick to reassure those considering a California vacation that the state is still open for business. California cannot afford to lose tourism dollars. Tourism makes up a large percentage of the state’s economy.
Similarly in Europe, Greece has been hit by wildfires and although not on Crete and Corfu it’s possible that it has affected the number of people taking Crete flights for their holidays.
Some popular tourist attractions have indeed been affected in spite of California tourism’s assurances. The Mount Wilson Observatory, located in the Angeles National Forest, came perilously close to being consumed. Firefighter’s efforts managed to save it. However, the surrounding damage and necessary clean-up threatens to seriously hamper the non-profit corporation’s operating budget. It could take months for the observatory to recover from the devastation.
California tourism officials hope that potential tourists will not be scared away as 2009 winds down. It’s likely that most of the California wildfires will be contained in the days and weeks to come. Businesses continue to run as usual amidst the chaos and hope that their budgets won’t take a hit too. Concerned tourists are advised to phone their destinations directly for specific information about fire danger before cancelling any holidays.
