boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Because of the population in Ca. and because of unscrupulous real estate developers people move into hoiusing in fire prone areas. Fire is a yearly occurance in the western forrests. This years fires are much worse than normal, for several reasons. And many houses are being lost. But untill houses are no longer built in fire prone areas. losses will continue. I certainly feel terrible for those whose houses have been lost. I knoew how I would feel. But untill houses continue to be built in those areas losses will continue

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

We are subject to unscrupulous developers, uber conservative councils, and bad codes and regulations.
Developers may build out of codem pre pay the fine, roll that into the cost, and you'll never know.
The councils don't like zigzag housing, built for safety, security, privacy and fire prevention. It's harder for developers to build, and tourists can't see the unbroken wall of pretty houses.
Don't forget that the big Paradise fire was caused by an injunction against tree trimming because the Council wanted that slightly disheveled rural look to impress the tourist traffic.
Why are all those houses in flood plains so vulnerable? Developer and Council protectionism.
Why are all those houses in hurricane zones being destroyed? Developers won't build to code.

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

I remember when the state required the replacement of wood shake shingles.

ArtzDarkroom Loc: Near Disneyland-Orange County, California

Why don't you worry about our Earthquakes, or Tornado alley mobile homes, perhaps all of the victims or hurricanes should be on your radar too?

People choose freely where to live will you tell us otherwise?

Perhaps if we stop bailing them out you'll get your way?

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I never told anyone to live anywhere. But I questioned why people choose to live in known fire prone areas. I don't live in such a place. Idon't live on a fault line, in a hurricane area or a tornado zone. I have the money to live antwhere I want. I choose to live. in a very saffe area. There are millions of relatively safe areas. Any place can have disasters, but why choose a place where disasters are a routine occurance

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Paradise, CA.
A woman said her house was "grandfathered in to have those wooden shingles.
Well, no.
THAT original house, with wooden shingles, had burned down 14 years earlior.
Which somehow justified her buying used shingles, from another old building getting metal roofing.
She liked the look- so she was NOT treating them, and just getting them installed.
She also liked that semi rural slightly overgrown look. Fire came- her place went Poof!

> I never told anyone to live anywhere. But I questioned why people choose to live in known fire prone areas. I don't live in such a place. Idon't live on a fault line, in a hurricane area or a tornado zone. <
You go visit- a realty firm sent you brochures. Pretty people with big shiny smiles and cars will shake your hand and tell you what a safe family area this is. You must be smarter people than most to choose here!
Again- that house is not built to code. The facilities aren't maintained to code. Properties aren't kept up to code. Houses were built without the electrical, water or sewage infrastructure to handle the loads. You may fix up and prepare your house- but your neighbors surround you with massive fire hazards. And to make sure the police are well taken care of the fire department has been partially defunded.
Governor of Oregon tried to get approval of fire control measures- Red team refused. NIH.
People believe. They're well taken care of. Storm Of The Century. Tho, every five years or so ...
@ 20 miles southwest of here is a place called Palos Verdes.
VERY strict, but simple housing codes. And the same with enforcement.
Screw up- you'll get phone calls, door stickers, etc. 30 days later- it just gets done. Costs added to taxes.
Beech all you want. No one likes you. Lawyers will take the case if you pay well in advance. Lose anyway.
VERY prominent fire zone. Frequent wild fires. Up to the property lines. Stops. Do it right. That's all it takes.
That's all it takes! Build to strict safety codes. Strict enforcement. Proper spacing. No exceptions.
But all it takes is exceptions. Many times the city councils are filled with realtors and developers.
Fire proof became fire resistant. Boards become plywood, got thinner, replaced with pressed board.
Setbacks and spacing become "takings". As were overhangs and gutters. Landscaping- look pretty?
And Poof! another Paradise! Entire town is gone. They say it can't happen here! Poof!
You lose your house? Here's an approved list of realtors, contractors and developers to pay. Oops- help.

cameranut Loc: North Carolina

Another main cause of fires is the dry growth on forest floors that acts as kindling. Since California has been in a drought situation for some time there is a bountiful supply of dry weeds, bushes, sticks, etc. that acts as a super spreader. If homes had all dry growth removed from immediate surroundings they might have been able to save some of them. Any wood frame house can burn---brick, not as quickly. My heart goes out to all the lives lost, including the wildlife.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Take N'orleans (the locals call it Norlins). It's BELOW sea level. It floods. Guess why.