The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a trail of devastation, destroying over 12,000 structures and claiming at least 25 lives. Driven by hurricane-force winds, these fires underscore the increasing threat of large-scale blazes in Southern California. The region, inherently fire-prone, is on a trajectory toward even larger and more devastating wildfires. This alarming trend calls for a critical reassessment of current fire management strategies, which many experts argue are unsustainable.
Fire has always been an intrinsic part of California's landscape, yet the approach to managing it has evolved into a model of siege-like suppression since the arrival of European settlers. Historically, fires played a beneficial role in the ecosystem, with native plants adapted to coexist with fire. However, decades of fire suppression tactics have contributed to the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires. The current strategy focuses on reactive wildfire suppression, but as Timothy Ingalsbee points out:
“Our current dominant model is to invest in reactive wildfire suppression, and the costs are just soaring.” – Timothy Ingalsbee
The economic implications of this model are significant. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley expressed her frustration, feeling that the city had let her department down. Additionally, Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), emphasized the need for increased budgets to enhance firefighter staffing and manage fuels effectively. While prescribed burns are taking place, they are insufficient in scope to address the magnitude of the problem.
Fuel management and home hardening are critical prevention measures that could reduce fire risk, but they come with high costs and cannot entirely prevent large fires. The Los Angeles wildfires serve as a wake-up call for fire policy reform. Ingalsbee highlights the limitations of current efforts:
“We surpassed our human limits to prevent or put out all wildfires, particularly during these extreme wind-driven weather events that have a link to climate change.” – Timothy Ingalsbee
Experts like Ingalsbee advocate for a shift from fire suppression to fire management, emphasizing the need to re-engage with fire as a natural ally rather than an adversary.
“Instead of fire suppression, [we need] fire management and re-engaging with fire, which makes a great ally.” – Timothy Ingalsbee
This approach requires a society-wide cultural shift to view fire as a vital force of nature that cannot be conquered or controlled but must be lived with.
“This has got to be a society-wide cultural shift that we have to stop looking at this vital force of nature as something we can conquer or control, and learn how to live with it.” – Timothy Ingalsbee
Matthew Teutimez highlights the importance of land management in preventing catastrophic fires. He argues that poor land management practices have allowed fuel levels to build up to dangerous levels.
“Those that are managing the land have allowed it to build up to this level that now any sort of fire on it leads to catastrophe, and that’s something that we as a tribe want to help change. We know how to manage our land so that fire isn’t catastrophic – it’s beneficial.” – Matthew Teutimez
Teutimez also points out that decision-makers who haven't been directly affected by fires might prioritize economic considerations over effective fire management strategies.
“You’re going to have those that are in decision-making ability, that have not been affected, that are going to look at the bottom line,” – Matthew Teutimez
This focus on the bottom line could perpetuate the destructive path currently being followed.
“So [policymakers] are going to make decisions that continue this pathway that we’re on of destruction.” – Matthew Teutimez
One potential solution involves removing non-native vegetation to enhance landscape resilience.
“Just by removing non-natives, you are making your landscape more resilient.” – Matthew Teutimez
Ingalsbee stresses that no amount of money can entirely stop fires during extreme conditions. He believes a shift in perspective is necessary:
“No amount of money – you could quadruple that budget, and you would not be able to stop those fires and prevent the spread during these extreme conditions.” – Timothy Ingalsbee