Another consideration is those that buy, built, own, etc... houses that are in the "interface". If their insurance covers it.... great. If not.... the rest of us pay to rebuild their piece of paradise.
There are very definite risks in building/living in the interface. The government also spends considerable money on trying to educate people that live in the interface.
I know, I used to earn a living as a firefighter, and a Commissioned DNR Warden. Now, not even the best protected house can always be saved, but *only* by having grown up in that area, and by watching News coverage..... People seem to still like Shake roofs, and trees, shrubs, grasses (AKA: FUEL!!) etc all around the house to enhance the aesthetics.
As we build in to the "interface, the greater the risk. Along with that is past generations of very aggressive Forest Fire suppression. Now, not only are more houses/communities built further in to the woods, the woods are very "fuel rich". A recipe for disaster. Very unfortunate that the losses are so high.
Who is to blame? Well, most everybody IMHO. The Greens, The Govt, the locals.. all share some blame. The problem did not start yesterday, and it was not a surprise that this could happen.
The important question now is.... will the insurance companies come through? And how much will it cost the rest of the nation that most likely could never afford to live in some of those houses they will now be replacing?
Now... I am sympathetic to those that have lost family, friend, etc... I just have a different view on building a house surrounded by fuel.
Glenn
