Dear Readers,
As heartbreak and devastation are wrought by the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Lidia, Woodley, Tyler and Sunset Fires, the State of California has yet another grim reminder of the urgent need for better wildfire prevention and response. Ten have been reported dead, with the death toll expected to rise. Neighborhoods-worth of structures have been engulfed, and over a hundred thousand people have been displaced.
The smoldering remains in southern California reflect a pattern all too familiar for the Golden State and its people: mismanagement, regulatory hurdles, and underinvestment in prevention efforts have combined to worsen the crisis. This special edition of our newsletter takes a step back to examine broader lessons and challenges tied to wildfire management in California and beyond. From the importance of local level decision-making to lessons from past tragedies, actionable reforms exist on how communities might better build resilience and mitigate future disasters.
Included are commentaries, research reports, and one of our contributors, Kristian Fors, shared his personal story on Fox News, reflecting on how the fires are directly impacting him and his community.
Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor
