@gchas.bsky.social
More great LA Times reporting by @nohaggerty.bsky.social. “Some ecologists question whether breaks even help in ember-driven fires” because firebreaks have been breached repeatedly in previous high wind fires.
At 12:30pm firefighters just pissing in the wind as embers spotted 2-3 miles ahead.
At 12:30pm firefighters just pissing in the wind as embers spotted 2-3 miles ahead.
November 25, 2025 at 10:01 PM
More great LA Times reporting by @nohaggerty.bsky.social. “Some ecologists question whether breaks even help in ember-driven fires” because firebreaks have been breached repeatedly in previous high wind fires.
At 12:30pm firefighters just pissing in the wind as embers spotted 2-3 miles ahead.
At 12:30pm firefighters just pissing in the wind as embers spotted 2-3 miles ahead.
@nohaggerty.bsky.social's LA Times article about wildfire evacuation challenges reminded me how indispensable my e-bike was in the Palisades fire.
November 24, 2025 at 9:12 PM
@nohaggerty.bsky.social's LA Times article about wildfire evacuation challenges reminded me how indispensable my e-bike was in the Palisades fire.
Reposted
a 1600 sf ranch is burned down and replaced with a 4-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom mcmansion
replicating what was there - but larger and more expensive - and recreating conditions that led to the wildfire loss in the first place.
we never learn.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
replicating what was there - but larger and more expensive - and recreating conditions that led to the wildfire loss in the first place.
we never learn.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
The first home has been rebuilt in the wake of the Palisades Fire
The first home to be rebuilt in the wake of the Palisades fire — a two-story home on Kagawa Street — received a certificate of occupancy on Friday.
www.latimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 7:18 AM
a 1600 sf ranch is burned down and replaced with a 4-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom mcmansion
replicating what was there - but larger and more expensive - and recreating conditions that led to the wildfire loss in the first place.
we never learn.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
replicating what was there - but larger and more expensive - and recreating conditions that led to the wildfire loss in the first place.
we never learn.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
My periodic reminders:
-Fire hoses not much help in 30mph+ winds.
-Water systems rapidly depressurize as homes ignite.
Remote water meter shutoff valves could improve water system resilience as some CO cities now require, but they come with many caveats.
My periodic reminders:
-Fire hoses not much help in 30mph+ winds.
-Water systems rapidly depressurize as homes ignite.
Remote water meter shutoff valves could improve water system resilience as some CO cities now require, but they come with many caveats.
Even a full reservoir wouldn't have ensured water in Palisades fire, California officials say
During the Palisades fire, a nearby reservoir was empty for repairs. State officials say even if it had been full, the water system would have been quickly overwhelmed.
www.latimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:58 PM
www.latimes.com/environment/...
My periodic reminders:
-Fire hoses not much help in 30mph+ winds.
-Water systems rapidly depressurize as homes ignite.
Remote water meter shutoff valves could improve water system resilience as some CO cities now require, but they come with many caveats.
My periodic reminders:
-Fire hoses not much help in 30mph+ winds.
-Water systems rapidly depressurize as homes ignite.
Remote water meter shutoff valves could improve water system resilience as some CO cities now require, but they come with many caveats.
Excellent reporting on the challenge of implementing the state's Zone Zero law by @nohaggerty.bsky.social. A exceptionally thorny political knot, complicated by well irrigated hedges appearing to help buffer homes from fire in some cases.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
How Zone Zero, designed to protect California homes from wildfire, became plagued with controversy and delays
California needs new rules to help future wildfires from destroying homes and businesses. But Zone Zero regulations, a key tenet of the state's plans, have roiled homeowners.
www.latimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Excellent reporting on the challenge of implementing the state's Zone Zero law by @nohaggerty.bsky.social. A exceptionally thorny political knot, complicated by well irrigated hedges appearing to help buffer homes from fire in some cases.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Wood frame houses may require 30' spacing to have any chance of resisting fire spread in extreme conditions - a non starter on 50' wide lots. Attached homes separated by a firewall, however, have a proven record.
“WUI conflagrations are wickedly complex, but scientists have been inching toward a sort of unified theory for prevention.”
It’s not hard, it’s just that global best practice – houses of noncombustible materials, close enough together that lots of foliage can’t grow in between – is un-American!
It’s not hard, it’s just that global best practice – houses of noncombustible materials, close enough together that lots of foliage can’t grow in between – is un-American!
Best piece yet on the challenge of protecting homes from wildfire. A house (and neighborhood) are only as safe as their weakest link.
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
October 23, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Wood frame houses may require 30' spacing to have any chance of resisting fire spread in extreme conditions - a non starter on 50' wide lots. Attached homes separated by a firewall, however, have a proven record.
Best piece yet on the challenge of protecting homes from wildfire. A house (and neighborhood) are only as safe as their weakest link.
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
A New Paradigm for Protecting Homes from Disastrous Fires
Scientists have identified more than fifty ways that houses can ignite. It’s possible to defend against all of them—but it’s arduous, and homeowners can’t do it alone.
www.newyorker.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Best piece yet on the challenge of protecting homes from wildfire. A house (and neighborhood) are only as safe as their weakest link.
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...