Are We Serious About Wildfire In California?

During the past week, much of California has been devastated by more than 21 destructive wildfires. In this particular period, most of these fires were likely ignited by lightning strikes, although a woman was arrested for possibly starting a number of roadside fires. 

If you're watching the flames crest a hill headed for your home, you care. A lot. Even in those situations, people are reluctant to leave, and often ignore life saving instructions to evacuate. Then, when 100 foot flames leap over what was your neighbor's home, it's often too late to leave. When people try to flee at the 11th hour, often... they die. 

But if you're sitting in the backyard and the threat is miles away, wildfire is a distant image - an afterthought. It's on the back foot for most Californians. And, that's a mistake. 

Sure, we're overloaded with messages about safety and preparation and don't do this or that. It's hard to see through the noise. Do you understand the message of Ready, Set, Go? Wildfire in California is serious business. 

If you're a LinkedIn member, consider reaching out to other members, notably with political influence and/or leaders within the fire service and share your concern about wildfires and prevention. It's time we started to work on the prevention part. Because while this past week's fires were likely a mostly natural occurrence, the majority of destructive and even killer wildfires are manmade. That's right. People are responsible for most of the deadly fires in the United States generally, and California specifically.

Please read my article, published in the MySafe:LA website. Click here.