Understanding the Threat: How L.A. Fires Expose Risks to Buildings Across the Western U.S.

The recent fires in L.A. have shocked the nation. Many people in the West are feeling anxious about whether their communities could face similar dangers.

So far, over 25 lives have been lost, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed. The financial toll is staggering, reaching into the tens of billions of dollars.

Kimiko Barrett, a senior wildfire researcher, warns that what happened in L.A. could easily happen elsewhere. Climate change and more development near wildlands are issues that affect many areas, not just Los Angeles.

Barrett believes we need to look more closely at the urban parts of these fire-prone areas. She argues that there has been too much focus on tackling fires in wildlands instead of taking a comprehensive approach to protecting homes.

Many studies show that the way houses are built and maintained plays a big role in whether they survive fires. Barrett notes, “This is a community responsibility.”

To improve fire safety, Barrett suggests we adopt better building codes and zoning rules at the local level. She also calls for more resources and support at the state and federal levels. Additionally, she believes a dedicated federal agency should be created to coordinate efforts that help strengthen homes against fires.

“It has to happen at all these levels,” Barrett emphasizes.