How+California+Can+Mitigate+Future+Wildfire+Damage


 * [|How California Can Mitigate Future Wildfire Damage] **

The article came from Pacific Standard and was released on December 11, 2017 I referenced the article on December 12, 2017
 * Article: **

This article is about the California wildfires and how to prevent future fires. Most fires begin by embers that get blown by the iconic California winds. The embers ignite any available material, thus people need to be more aware of creating a defensible space and make structures less vulnerable to fire. This includes careful selection of building material and the proper installation of those materials. The combination of drought, heavy rains, then dry weather made the conditions more vulnerable to fire. The author identifies that while not all fire is bad, states need to consider not building in fire-prone places, and matching building codes with a modern understanding of wildfire risk.
 * Summary: **

**Relation to Course:** This source related to the topic of fires. Some areas haven’t burned in over 70 years, thus setting up for crown fires (Miller ch. 24). Thus, this article relates to the importance of fire prevention (Miller ch. 24) and the issues that arise when areas don’t regularly burn. A lack of prescribed burning helped contribute to the magnitude of the fires, thus reinforcing why proper precautions are necessary.

I think the recent damage caused by the California fires is a concrete reason for an increased focus on how to prevent future fires. The conditions are right for the fires, which is why communities need to pay more attention to their actions. Especially in an area like California that is so susceptible to fire, there is a heightened need for regular prescribed burns.
 * My opinion: **

This article relates to the Species Conservation Act of 1966. This allowed limited protection for not only species but their habitats as well. The fires have led to mass destruction of many species and habitats in California.
 * Environmental law: **

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