to the editor: When it comes to building in wildfire zones, California seems content with the status quo. County and city governments are approving new housing in fire danger zones at a rapid pace, without adequate evacuation planning or resources to reinforce housing.
An analysis by the Center for Biological Diversity, where I work, found that, since 2021, local officials have approved at least 61,000 homes in areas designated by the state as “very high fire risk severity zones.” This “build now, fix it later” approach is no way to house Californians, especially with Topanga's warnings.
Residents were told that when another wildfire broke out, they might be asked to shelter in place (“Can you survive a wildfire by sheltering in place? For one community, the Los Angeles County Fire Department says it may be the only option.” November 24). What a terrifying prospect.
As Los Angeles prepares to mark one year since the Palisades and Eaton fires, I sincerely hope that cities and counties prioritize strengthening existing housing and direct new development to safer areas close to jobs and transportation hubs. The status quo is unsustainable and deadly.
Tiffany Yap, Oakland
This author is a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity.
