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I've suddenly started hearing the assertion that forest management is incompetent. But I've not really heard any details as to what is actually wrong and what s

• nostrademons 8y ago
  The other weird part about this assertion is that forests in which the Camp Fire started are federal land (Plumas National Forest), under the responsibility of the Forest Service. So while it's entirely possible that forest management in California has been incompetent, that responsibility lies on the federal government.
• manigandham 8y ago
  The general idea is that there can and should be more done. Lots of open space that builds up vegetation and then dries out, turning into perfect fuel for a fire. Cutting these shrubs, creating firebreaks, and doing controlled burns would at least create much more manageable zones if a wildfire does start.
  • nradov 8y ago
    Please be specific. What exactly can and should be done? Clearing brush is labor intensive and expensive. Who will pay for it? Controlled burns are difficult to manage in many parts of the state; there are often no fire breaks so a slight shift in the wind can quickly turn controlled into uncontrolled.
    • manigandham 8y ago
      That is specific: create firebreaks and remove brush. That alone would drastically limit fire spread and damage. Controlled burns are hard but certainly not impossible, and can be done in colder seasons as weather and wind are predictable. Taxpayers are already paying for it, and the state has plenty of labor. The prison system alone runs many firecrews that can engage in this work. Compared to fighting fires and rebuilding damage, the maintenance cost is trivial.