Posted On: October 24, 2007, 3:23 pm CDT

Posted By: Gill Fin

Shouldn't steps be taken to prevent these losses? Homes made from nonflammable materials? Master plans that take into account which way the fires flow so that fires don't spread so easily? Removal of undergrowth through which fires spread, at least in areas where real property and lives are endangered? (oh thats right - the environmentalists love to live in the sticks but won't remove any). How about zoning so that homes arent built in extreme fire zones? I consider these solutions to be a part of basic infrastructure for any given reason. And I consider these things to be something handled on a local or state level. Not a federal level. Why?
Because who knows better than locals how best to protect themselves? Of course, after reading postings here the Californians sound proud that they once again let there homes burn down. I hope you all hold your local government responsible for the fallout from years of neglect of this predictable and I am sure solvable problem. Not much educational value in the second kick of a mule (I love that analogy). Your state was bankrupt a few years ago and Arnold miraculously bailed you out. You were bankrupt in part becuase you gave away too much to too many in the way of social programs and didnt take care of infrastructure, just like most cities on both coasts. Don't be surprised when your infrastructure lets you down - you let it down.