Philip Dennison (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption University of Utah geographer Philip Dennison has developed a new way to predict when vegetation in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles dries out to the point it is most vulnerable to large fires. The high-risk period is estimated to begin July 13 this year. Credit Sommer Thorgusen, University of Utah. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.