When NBC News inquired about the concern, Bass spokesperson Zach Seidl referred to the mayor’s previous statements. Bass emphasized the importance of constructing in a way that can protect against fires and ensure a resilient community. This includes reviewing building codes, learning from past mistakes, and rebuilding in a stronger and more efficient manner.
In an ideal scenario, according to Miller, developers should reconfigure the Palisades to limit development in high-risk fire areas, like brush-covered hillsides. For instance, San Diego prohibits building homes on steep hillsides due to the rapid spread of wildfires uphill. Increasing the distance between homes beyond the minimal requirement outlined in the Los Angeles fire code can decrease the risk of embers spreading between houses. Miller also suggested creating a buffer zone between homes and wildland areas with non-flammable vegetation to prevent fires from spreading.
Planting native species like succulents or sage near residential areas can reduce the fire spread compared to flammable palm trees. Following the Woolsey Fire in 2018, Malibu prohibited the planting of new palm trees for this reason. Landscaping individual yards should involve spacing shrubs at least 15 feet apart, using materials like gravel or concrete instead of combustible mulch, and choosing fire-resistant construction materials like brick or stone. Recommendations include avoiding wood siding or fences, installing dual-pane windows, and incorporating sprinkler systems inside homes.
Many of these strategies are mandated by California’s fire code and Los Angeles-specific amendments. New construction in high-risk zones must adhere to these codes, using fire-resistant materials and implementing vegetation management practices. Rebuilding to these updated codes is crucial for enhanced resilience.
Beyond code requirements, homeowners can opt for additional fire-resistant measures such as using more metal in construction or adding concrete perimeter walls. Lawmakers could provide incentives for such efforts. However, achieving maximum resiliency may require some Palisades residents to relocate, possibly through programs allowing them to transfer development rights to lower-risk areas. Realistically, the city may not implement such a program due to various challenges.
Rebuilding with new construction standards will take time, considering the complexity of altering neighborhoods built over decades. Erica Fischer, an assistant professor of structural engineering at Oregon State University, emphasized the challenge of expecting immediate transformation to completely different construction methods after devastating fires.
Rumbach pointed out that Los Angeles, despite being a big metro area with ample resources, may still face challenges in recovering from recent wildfires. Governor Newsom has proposed $2.5 billion in funding for recovery efforts, but experts believe that the rebuilding process could take multiple years. Some experts, like Jonah Susskind from SWA, question whether rebuilding homes in Pacific Palisades is a wise decision, considering the risk of future fires.
In response to the fires, actions taken by officials like Bass in Los Angeles include allowing residents to rebuild in the same style and size as before, waiving certain building requirements, and expediting reconstruction projects. Newsom has also suspended environmental permitting requirements to speed up construction, despite concerns that these regulations help mitigate wildfire risks.
The pressure on Newsom and Bass to accelerate development in the aftermath of the fires has intensified due to criticism from President Trump, Republicans, and public figures. While Bass has faced accusations of mismanagement, her supporters argue that she is navigating the crisis effectively. The impending 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles may further complicate the recovery efforts.
Similar challenges in rebuilding after disasters have been seen in other areas, such as the aftermath of the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, where exemptions were made to local building codes. These decisions, influenced by public pressure, could potentially put communities at risk of future disasters.
Looking ahead, designing homes and neighborhoods to be more fire-resistant will require additional research into effective mitigation strategies. Unlike earthquakes and hurricanes, there is currently limited scientific data on how structures hold up against wildfires. This gap in knowledge presents a significant challenge in creating resilient communities in fire-prone areas.
In the realm of wildfire research, navigating the complexities of factors such as weather, climate, topography, vegetation, and local construction techniques presents a formidable challenge. Lessons learned from one fire may not necessarily apply to the next due to these intricate variables. Despite these obstacles, progress is being achieved as civil engineers collaborate with wildfire experts and forest ecologists to investigate the effects of fires on structures.
According to Fischer, a leading expert in the field, there is optimism amidst the challenges. She highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop strategies for mitigating the impact of wildfires on communities. Drawing parallels to existing hazard management practices, Fischer emphasized the importance of patience and persistence in integrating wildfires into a comprehensive framework.
“We have established roadmaps for addressing various hazards, and the same can be achieved for wildfires,” Fischer stated confidently. “While the research process may be time-consuming, there is a hopeful outlook for effectively managing the risks posed by wildfires.”
The collaborative approach between civil engineers, wildfire experts, and forest ecologists signifies a crucial step towards enhancing the resilience of communities in the face of wildfires. By leveraging their collective expertise and insights, these professionals are paving the way for innovative solutions and strategies to safeguard structures and habitats from the destructive impact of wildfires.
As the research progresses, the intricate interplay of environmental factors and human interventions continues to shape the evolving landscape of wildfire management. The dynamic nature of wildfires necessitates a multifaceted approach that embraces the complexity of these natural phenomena.
While the challenges posed by wildfires are significant, the dedication and ingenuity of researchers and practitioners offer a beacon of hope for communities at risk. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across disciplines, strides are being made to advance our understanding of wildfires and enhance our preparedness and response strategies.
In conclusion, the journey towards integrating wildfires into a comprehensive hazard management framework is marked by both challenges and opportunities. Through perseverance, innovation, and collaboration, we can navigate the complexities of wildfires and work towards a future where communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from these natural disasters.
