Hydrants are less critical than these steps to protect against fire

The finger-pointing has begun around the tragic and historic Los Angeles fires even as flames continue to spread and mandatory evacuations remain in place for the Palisades and Eaton fires.

Low tanks and waterless fire hydrants in burned neighborhoods in Altadena, Pacific Palisades and elsewhere have been a hotly debated point, drawing criticism from failed mayoral candidate Rick Caruso and Elon Musk, among others.

Officials backed off, saying the scale of the fires, which have destroyed thousands of structures, posed an unsustainable challenge to the city’s infrastructure.

The clearest contributor to the tragedy is Santa Ana’s wild winds of up to 100 miles per hour that spread and fanned the flames quickly, while also rendering most conventional means of fighting them less effective. completely impossible.

Extremely dry conditions also played a role, and while countless people in the media have been quick to attribute climate change as a cause before the science of attribution was actually done, we know that events like these are become more common and extreme in the Anthropocene. lived era.

All of the above are probably convenient scapegoats because they are largely out of our hands or can be laid at the feet of political opponents in the case of hydrants, tanks and fire infrastructure.

Building and maintaining the yard in a new climate era

It goes without saying that the infrastructure in question is not built for natural disasters on this scale in a densely populated metropolis. What’s more – the metropolis wasn’t even built with megafire fires from a new geologic era driven by hurricane-force winds in mind.

For at least two decades now, the name of the game when it comes to our new climate reality hasn’t just been mitigation; fit is just as important. People living in wildfire-prone areas are increasingly learning a new vocabulary of phrases like “protected space” and “Firewise communities” that help individuals, homeowners and communities take responsibility for adapting and protect their homes and families.

The three zones of protected space around a house:

There is a lot of information online, but CalFire and others take an area approach that is easy to remember and worth implementing right away.

Ground Zero – Within five feet of your home:

Perhaps the most critical aspect of the sheltered area is clearing the area touching or within five feet of the structures of anything that could be ignited by flying embers and then quickly spread to the main structure. CalFire advises homeowners to:

1. Use strong materials such as gravel, pavers or concrete instead of bark or mulch.
2. Remove all dead and dying plantsweeds and debris from roofs, gutters, decks, porches, stairs and under any area of ​​your home.
3. Remove all branches within 10 feet of any chimney or stove pipe outlet.
4. Limit flammable items (like outdoor furniture and planters) on top of the deck.
5. Move firewood and lumber in Zone 2.
6. Replace combustible fences, gates and arbors attached to the house with non-combustible alternatives.
7. Consider moving trash and recycling containers outside this area.
8. Consider moving boats, RVs, vehicles, and other combustible items outside this area.

Zone One – Five feet to 30 feet from structures

For many people in urban or suburban areas, this will make up most or even all of your yard. The less dry vegetation the better, according to CalFire’s to-do list:

1. Remove all dead plantsgrass and weeds.
2. Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles.
3. Trim trees regularly to keep branches at least 10 feet from other trees.
4. Create a partition between trees, bushes and flammable items such as patio furniture, wood piles, swing sets, etc.

Second Zone – From 100 Feet or Property Line

California law actually requires up to 100 feet of protected space in high-risk areas. This may seem like a big buffer, but it can also drastically increase your peace of mind. Here’s what to do:

1. Cut or mow annual grass to a maximum height of four inches.
2. Create horizontal space between bushes and trees. (See diagram)
3. Create vertical space between grass, bushes and trees. (See diagram)
4. Remove fallen leavesneedles, twigs, bark, cones and small branches. However, they may be allowed to a depth of three inches.
5. Keep 10 feet of space around exposed wood pilesdown to bare mineral soil, in all directions.
6. Clear areas around outbuildings and propane tanks. Keep 10 feet of bare mineral soil free of combustible vegetation for an additional 10 feet around their exterior.

Los Angeles County is no stranger to the concept of protected space and even conducts inspections of properties deemed to be in fire hazard zones to ensure that the property is maintained in a way to reduce potential fire fuel and materials that could ignite. can catch flying embers.

Preparedness is a responsibility

From Hurricane Katrina to this new reality of winter wildfires, we’ve been in a new era of dangers to people and property for at least two decades now. It’s not just about climate change.

The world has become more complex and fast-paced than ever before, while our institutions and infrastructure have failed to keep up. Worse, they have continued to exercise and become increasingly incompetent thanks to the bureaucratic and political gridlock enabled by our polarized population.

This is not a criticism of the brave first responders on the ground doing what they can to save lives and property within a broken system. Rather, it is a call to support their efforts by taking individual precautions to reduce your personal risk and their potential workload.

Every property with 100 feet of protected space slows the spread of a fire. A property that neglects this responsibility if instead is fuel for a fire, so the stakes are high. A Firewise community or neighborhood coming together to commit to protected space can essentially act as a firebreak that will not only slow but stop a fire.

After all, if we can’t depend on hydrants to save the day, it doesn’t seem fair to rely on inspectors from detailed departments to inspect every acre.

It’s time to take things like protected space and fire-smart development more seriously. Stay safe out there.