February 22 Digest: This Week in Wildfire Recovery News
This is a digest of selected news and media that emerged over the last week related to wildfire emergencies, recovery efforts, and resilience building efforts in the American West.
Team From California Helps Guide Marshall Fire Victims In Recovery(opens in new tab)
From CBS 4 Denver by Alan Gionet | February 16, 2022
California based nonprofit After the Fire brings fire survivors to Boulder County to share information with Marshall Fire affected community members and help navigate recovery.
Calif. wildfire survivors offer Boulder County advice(opens in new tab)
From Fox 31, by Evan Kreugel | February 17, 2022
A group of California wildfire survivors, organized by nonprofit After the Fire, spent time in Boulder County this week, offering tips and advice to those impacted by the Marshall Fire.
Survivors of the September 2020 Fires Tell Lawmakers About Their Recovery(opens in new tab)
From NewsWatch 12, by Caleb Michael | February 16, 2022
Survivors of 2020 fires explain the need for more mental health services, and housing support
Santa Cruz County’s New CZU Dashboard Shows Fewer Than 10% Have Been Issued Rebuilding Permits(opens in new tab)
From Lookout Santa Cruz, by Grace Stetson | February 16, 2022
Last week, the county launched a CZU recovery dashboard, providing basic data about the rebuilding process. While county spokesperson Jason Hoppin said Santa Cruz’s progress is in line with other communities’ post-fire rebuilds, some survivors said the process remains overly burdensome.
What Happens When Wildfire Devastates a Ski Resort? The Industry is Watching Sierra-at-Tahoe to Find Out(opens in new tab)
From The Mercury News, by Jakob Rodgers | February 21, 2022
Nearly six months after the Caldor Fire tore through Sierra-at-Tahoe, the resort is battling supply chain issues, fickle weather, and the nearing spring season as its operators try to salvage what’s left of the ski season
2020 Wildfires Took Toll on Physical, Mental Health(opens in new tab)
From Government Technology, by Vickie Aldous | February 17, 2022
Survey results show 46% of respondents said the fires took a toll on their mental health. Among those whose homes were directly impacted, 58% reported negative mental health impacts.
A War to Halt Logging in Northern California Reignites. Will It End Differently This Time?(opens in new tab)
From Los Angeles Times, by Lila Seidman | February 19, 2022
In the fight to save redwoods on ancient tribal lands from being cut down, state and tribal leaders continue to refuse to see eye to eye on important aspects of the future for Jackson's trees
Over 4,000 Acres Burned in Wildfire Near California Airport(opens in new tab)
From The Hill, by Lexi Lonas | February 18, 2022
Vegetation fire that has been fueled by wind burns more than 4,000 acres near airport, but is on its way to being contained
California Wildfire at 20% Containment, Evacuation Orders Lifted(opens in new tab)
From Insurance Journal | February 18, 2022
Forward rate of progress of wildfire near Bishop has been halted, and evacuation orders are lifted despite only twenty percent containment
Forecasting Our Future: How Expanding Metro, Drought, Lack of Green Space Magnify Wildfire Danger(opens in new tab)
From Koco News 5, by Michael Armstrong | February 18, 2022
Building homes right up against grassland means no buffer should a wildfire erupt
‘Loading The Dice’: Climate Crisis Could Increase Southern California Wildfires(opens in new tab)
From the LA times, by Haley Smith | February 21, 2022
UCLA-led study published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences show that the increase in wildfires in California are having a significant and lasting change on the state's water supply and water systems that is not yet fully understood, impacting not just water supply levels but changing entire ecosystems.
‘Loading The Dice’: Climate Crisis Could Increase Southern California Wildfires(opens in new tab)
From The Guardian, by Gabrielle Canon | February 17, 2022
Global heating will cause ‘megafires resistant to fire suppression practices’ with 25% of land being burned by 2040.
California Sets New Home, Community Standards To Lower Fire Risk(opens in new tab)
From CBS Sacramento | February 14, 2022
A fire-resistant roof, at least 5 feet of defensible space around a home, a clearly defined evacuation route in a neighborhood and the removal of vegetation overgrowth in a community are some of the new statewide insurance standards to reduce the wildfire risk of older homes, California officials announced Monday.
AB-2705 Housing: Fire Safety Standards(opens in new tab)
From California Legislative Information | February 18, 2022
This CA Assembly Bill, submitted by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva and co-authored by Senator Ochoa Bogh establishes standards and measures to ensure that a new residential development project in a very high risk fire area is planned, designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that mitigates the risk of wildfire encroaching onto the residential development project and reduces the risk of the residential development project contributing to new wildfires in the surrounding area or impairing evacuation plans.
Southern California Edison Files Annual Update to Wildfire Mitigation Plan(opens in new tab)
From Business Wire | February 18, 2022
The 2022 update builds upon considerable progress to further reduce the risk of fires caused by utility infrastructure and the frequency and impact of PSPS. Wildfire mitigation work will increase grid reliability and climate resilience, enhancing a strong foundation for the clean energy transition