ARTICLE: California Fires Continue to Rage, By Karl Vick and Sonya Geis, Washington Post, Wednesday, October 24, 2007; Page A01
Key Lomborgian bit:
An inventory by University of Wisconsin researchers found that about two-thirds of new building in Southern California over the past decade was on land susceptible to wildfires, said Mike Davis, a historian at the University of California at Irvine and author of a social history of Los Angeles."It gives you some parameters for understanding the current situation," Davis said. "Another way to look at it is simply drive out the San Gorgonio Pass, where the winds blow over 50 mph over a hundred days a year and you have new houses standing next to 50-year-old chaparral.
"You might as well be building next to leaking gasoline tanks."
Beautiful space, so I understand the temptation, but something to consider regarding the disaster.
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Comments (4)
This really isn't any different, or any more (or less) defensible, than building on a barrier island and expecting the rest of the taxpayers to replace the sand every year.
Posted by Greg | November 10, 2007 3:10 PM
Back in the 1970s I knew a guy who lived in a canyon above Malibu, CA. He bought himself a D-4 CAT and continually kept a fireline dozed around his house. His place survived several bad fires. I thought he was crazy but he loved the solitude and peace. He also understood the risk involved. Of course that was before so many people started living in those places.
Every subdivision out in the So. Cal. brush should own a bulldozer for fireline building, have metal or tile roofs, brick or plaster construction, and as little combustible material in their yards as possible.......at the very least. The risks are enormous so why not take some proactive precautions?
Posted by Jimmy J. | November 10, 2007 11:36 PM
I live in earthquake country in California. I am mystified by people who live in Florida whose homes are regularly destroyed by hurricanes. Tornadoes ripping through the midwest devastate communities every year. Go figure.
Posted by Mystery Meat | November 11, 2007 12:32 PM
With hurricanes, the disaster usually comes with a two-week notice.
With enough rations, a properly rated house, and an experienced local government, one might be able to ride out the storm.
Posted by anom_fox | November 11, 2007 3:03 PM