CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE IN MALIBU TIMES

So many times, I’ve noticed “experts” really aren’t. Whether its economics and finance, or politics, the experts are so frequently wrong, I have to question what makes a person qualified to be one. Particularly in the field of fire fighting and fire protection. I’m amazed at how “fire experts” so often disseminate incorrect or partial information. As I am a life-long student of fire fighting and fire research, particularly concerning wildfires in the suburban areas, I pay close attention to the “experts” opinions. I spend a great portion of my day pouring over research articles, case histories of fires, and articles on fires and new technologies. What I often find are articles containing experts opinions that don’t comport with the facts. This article in the Malibu Times contains opinions from an expert that illustrates what I mean.

The “expert”, who is a meteorologist, makes reference to the best way a home can be protected during a wildfire. His opinion is that brush clearance is the most important thing a homeowner can do to prevent destruction. He then continues, at the very end of the article, that if Mother Nature wants to reign down destruction, there is nothing you can do about it. Is he correct?

I think the “expert” is incorrect, based on my wildfire research, observation, and my own experience. While brush clearance can be important, its not the most important; having a structure that is fire resistant is the most important. With proper fire resistive features and construction, homes can survive wildfires in spite of the lack of brush clearance, as presently mandated. If the home is what you want to protect, then the home should be fire resistant. As for Mother Nature reigning down unavoidable destruction, well, I definitely disagree. Granted, some wildfires are monsters, but a well prepared home with a knowledgeable and well prepared homeowner, can successfully slay said monster. Fire ignites structures in a predictable manner. Remove the conditions which cause ignition, and you remove the probability of ignition. In other words, (this is my motto) IF YOU CONTROL THE FUEL, YOU CONTROL THE FIRE.