tagged w/ California Wildfires
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Arnie might want to rethink this one. In a classic case of a perverse incentive, California state law actually encourages homeowners to build in brushy canyons prone to massive wildfires like the "Station fire", which burned over 350,000 hectares and destroyed dozens of homes near Los Angeles this month.
In 1968, the state legislature mandated that every property owner must be able to buy affordable fire insurance, no matter how risky their location. An industry-sponsored syndicate, the California Fair Plan, serves as insurer of last resort for those deemed too high-risk for conventional fire insurance. Some 17,400 owners of brushland property now obtain insurance through this route, says Mike Harris, a spokesman for the plan.
That may be a bad idea, because coastal brushland, or chaparral, is naturally prone to infrequent but very intense fires. Unlike in forest, where planned fires can clear out dead wood and keep wildfires small, fire managers can do little to prevent massive fires in chaparral.
Risk reduction
Homeowners can take some steps to reduce their risk, such as replacing wood shingles with non-flammable material – but anyone living in chaparral must expect to be burned out eventually.
"We've been deluding ourselves to think we can stop these fires. They're going to burn no matter what," says Jon Keeley, an ecologist with the US Geological Survey in Three Rivers, California.
The best solution in the long term, fire experts agree, is to avoid building in the riskiest areas – a solution made harder by the state's insistence on insuring such properties.
Image source:
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2009/5/7/1241689475030/California-Wildfires-Hous-004.jpgArnie might want to rethink this one. In a classic case of a perverse incentive,... more
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xiola
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added this
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2 years ago
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It was warm dry mid May 2009 very similar to the previous year. Another indicator of a very early start to an extremely dry fire season. On this day, a combination of firecrackers and dry grass along with winds ignited this fast moving brush fire that grew quickly and threatened homes and structures. The winds and tinder dry grass and brush and a lack of humidity allowed flames to leap 40' feet into that sky.
But This year it is different than the last fire season. ... This year a bad economy that has reduced many firefighting budgets to a dangerous new low.... a bad combination in what could be most destructive fire season in California history!
News Photographer & Reporter: Gerard Ange'
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For the rest my story follow the link below:
http://current.com/items/90304241_a-target-of-corporate-crime-shares-his-story-about-crime-justice.htmIt was warm dry mid May 2009 very similar to the previous year. Another indicator of a... more
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Massive allergy disruptions all over the southern part of the state today as dry warm winds known as 'santa ana' continue to feed the blazes that are ravaging homes in Anaheim Hills and Orange County, while carrying smoke, ash and fine soot particles furhter downwind.
"As wildfires rage across Southern California this afternoon, emergency response shifted to Orange County, where thousands of residents were ordered evacuated, dozens of homes burned and a large apartment complex was in flames.
The community of Anaheim Hills was ordered to evacuate as a wind-driven blaze that began in nearby Riverside County swept through Yorba Linda and jumped the 91 Freeway."
more at articleMassive allergy disruptions all over the southern part of the state today as dry warm... more
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Boston.com has a photo journalism series The Big Picture. Here's their set on the CA Wildfires.Boston.com has a photo journalism series The Big Picture. Here's their set on... more
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Associated Press reports:
"Firefighters got a gift of a mild, mostly windless night and a forecast for similar conditions Sunday as they attempted to protect thousands of homes from a huge wildfire with their energy and resources taxed by more than 300 blazes still burning around the state."
We can only pray they it doesnt get even more out of control. Associated Press reports:
"Firefighters got a gift of a mild, mostly windless... more
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After several weeks of wildfires in Northern California, wildfires have broken out in Goleta, in Santa Barbara County, and another in Malibu Canyon this July 4th afternoon. Fire departments are stretched thin in California.After several weeks of wildfires in Northern California, wildfires have broken out in... more
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SAN FRANCISCO – Another day of smoke-filled skies is prompting air quality officials to extend a health advisory for the Bay Area.
Officials with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District say because of smoke from wildfires burning in the region, the air throughout much of the nine counties in the Bay Area region is expected to reach unhealthy levels again Friday.
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This sucks for anyone who likes to be outside or breathe fresh air. SAN FRANCISCO – Another day of smoke-filled skies is prompting air quality... more
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Lightning has been the catalyst for 800 or more fires have torched Northern Californias wildlife.Lightning has been the catalyst for 800 or more fires have torched Northern... more
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Poor beautiful Malibu can't catch a break this fire season. Luckily, cooler weather is prevailing and this round of fires is coming under control.Poor beautiful Malibu can't catch a break this fire season. Luckily, cooler... more
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Residents have started returning to their homes in Malibu. Over fifty homes were destroyed.
Subsiding winds have made Firefighters are optimistic that they can completely put out the 4,720 acre fire.Residents have started returning to their homes in Malibu. Over fifty homes were... more
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Wildfires that started in Southern California this morning are partly under control as we head into the evening here. Fueled by the Santa Ana winds, the fire has consumed at least 35 homes in the affluent city of Malibu. More than 15,000 people were evacuated from hundreds of residences. Many escaped just minutes ahead of the flames.
After fighting a losing battle for most of the day, the 1,700 firefighters have contained a small portion. They describe it "like a blowtorch with a huge hairdryer behind it".Wildfires that started in Southern California this morning are partly under control as... more
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