Tahoe blaze puts focus on homeowners' prevention efforts
The wildfire shows that residents need to minimize the risk on their own properties, analysts say.
from the June 26, 2007 edition
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The Angora fire, meanwhile, has brought 460 firefighters from across the region, with that number expected to double.
The fire's costs could be substantial given the housing and tourism near the alpine lake, the largest in North America. So far, some 1,000 residents were evacuated, and 500 more buildings were threatened.
The Forest Service completed seven community wildfire protection plans last year that identify hazards and propose fuel-reduction projects. Field assessments found that a majority of buildings in the Tahoe Basin lacked fire-safe construction technique, nonflammable building materials, and the 30-foot zone of defensible space mandated by state law.
There's "a need to address the fuel situation [thinning of forests]. We need a much more aggressive approach to fuel treatment, and need to do the treatment in the Lake Tahoe basin," says Mr. Rey.
The service and CAL FIRE are working with community groups to get residents to make their properties fire-safe.
In the state's urban areas, officials have been putting the squeeze on property owners. Oakland is stepping up inspections that include enforcement of the 30-foot defensible space where grass can be no longer than six inches and tree branches no lower than six feet. Those who don't comply may receive less attention from firefighters if their homes are threatened, according to local reports.
Insurers are starting to play hardball, too. Allstate prompted an uproar this year when it said it will not sell new homeowner policies in California partly due to wildfire and earthquake danger. State Farm requires California homeowners to clear brush within 300 feet of buildings. Those who don't meet the requirements could see their policies dropped.
• Bina Venkataraman contributed to this report from Boston.1 | Page 2
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