California experienced the lowest rainfall in recorded history in 2002, replaced by even lower rainfall totals in 2007 and 2018.  These acute droughts were superseded by unprecedented chronic drought between 2012-2018. Acute drought primarily impacted shallow rooted shrubs, such as Ceanothus and Arctostaphylos species (obligate seeders post-fire). During chronic drought, deep rooted Malosma laurina plants (sprouters post-fire) became susceptible to infection by a naturally occurring endophytic fungus (Botryosphaeria dothidea), leading to whole-plant mortality. Dieback from acute and chronic drought increased chaparral fuel load and contributed to the largest fire in recorded history for the Santa Monica Mountains, consuming nearly 50% of the mountain range.

Bio: https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/faculty/stephen-davis/