This is an interesting news story. It didn’t get much attention at the time. It illustrates, however, what people are feeling. “We’re on our own,” is a common thought amongst people in the rural areas. The youtube video is below.
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http://www.sciencecodex.com/nist_study_offers_first_detailed_look_at_the_progress_of_a_wildlandurban_fire

This is a synopsis of an excellent scientific report conducted by the NIST. Let me just reiterate, its the embers igniting homes that cause these large loss of property fires. Its also the embers that cause spot fires, which ignites brush ahead of the main fire, sometimes 2 -3 miles ahead of the main fire. After the homes on the edge of the wildland urban interface ignite, the ember storm becomes that much worse. Burning homes create huge fire brands that fly through the air, igniting other homes and brush. This is why homes on the interior of the housing areas, hundreds of yards away from the wildland urban interface, start igniting. Of course, embers from the brush send out embers also, igniting homes well away from the interface.

Once again, the government has our best interest at heart, They’ll decide what is best for us, specifically concerning how you choose to protect your home during a wildfire. The fire agencies, (yes, the one that is in your community) don’t feel its appropriate for you to either stay and defend your own home, or pay private firefighters to do so. I emphasize “feel” because the fire agencies feel the way they do in spite of the facts and the science that supports the facts. But remember, the government feels your pain better than you, so can decide what is best for you (especially since you’re an idiot).

The fire agencies collectively, with talking points prescribed, are in unison with their battle cry, “You’re property isn’t worth your life.” You should be ready to go early, flee for your life and beat the rush of others evacuating. If you tarry too long, you’ll be in the way of the firefighters; then they’ll have to stop fighting the fire and save you instead. How early should you leave? Well, maybe at the first hint of a santa anna wind approaching. Or maybe during all summer and fall, when fire activity is at its height. Surely, if a fire is baring down on you, you haven’t left soon enough. Because now you’ll be stuck in traffic fleeing with everyone else. You idiot!

The California fire service has rejected the “Stay and Defend or Leave Early” concept. Not because its in your best interest, because its in their best interest. The last thing the fire service wants, and their unions, are people protecting their own homes, or private firefighters protecting them. Heck, you might not want more firefighters and more fire engines if that were to happen. Somehow, they think that a partnership would lead to their demise. What they don’t understand is we need them 24/7, 365 days a year. And we want them, because they are professionals that are trained to handle complex and life threatening situations. But, by having prepared citizens, and a force of supplemental private firefighters, these large loss of property fires can be eliminated with the fire service’s skills and leadership. Being told to run away at the slightest hint of smoke isn’t going to quell the massive property loss or save lives. Although I will agree with the fire service on this point: If you’re not present, you won’t be killed or injured by the fire. Yes, I concede that much. But how do you know when not to be present? Fires can begin and rage suddenly, whether caused by humans or nature. During a strong wind, when the humidity is low and the temperature is high, fires can spread rapidly whether its day or night. The conditions may be too hazardous to flee. For how long should you be absent, then?

I believe, because science and experience supports this position, that homeowners should prepare their homes to withstand a wildfire; then, whether you leave or stay, at least your home will be a safe refuge. Should you decide to stay put and keep your home from igniting, that should be your decision. The government shouldn’t force you out, quite possibly to a worse situation to face. The truth is, people get killed and injured fleeing fires. When your home is properly prepared, and you’re properly prepared, you’re safer in your home than outside. A house can withstand fire much better than a vehicle, and that’s a fact. On the other hand, if you want to leave, then good for you for making that decision. As long as you’re leaving in plenty of time and not jeopardizing you or your loved ones, that’s a great decision. It’s an even better decision if you’ve prepared your home to withstand a wildfire even if there’s no one available to defend it.

The bottom line is this: Ordinary citizens can safely defend their homes when properly prepared. In fact, that’s the only way the large loss of property can be avoided. Instead of the fire service yelling about the sky falling, they should be disseminating truthful, accurate, wildfire defense procedures. Not just “clear more brush, more brush!”, or preventing private firefighters and citizens from defending homes. Thousands of homes burn in spite of brush clearance, and it doesn’t make sense to turn away private firefighters who are trained and capable of saving lives and property. What’s needed is for the fire service to stop being self-serving, and start serving others. Maybe they should serve you. (Maybe they would if you weren’t considered such an idiot.)