- In Fallbrook, if it's not spring, then it's Fire Alert season.
- It lasts many months of the year, but it gets the worst in September and October.
- Pearl notices that the ground is dry and the leaves are too crisp, which is horrible for fire season.
- On September 13, she hears the wild blowing loudly against the windows.
- She tries to go to sleep, but can't; instead she wonders whether anyone is starting a fire out there, and worries it will spread too quickly to contain.
- Finally, around 3:00AM, she drifts off to sleep.