January 11 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.
This Vast Wildfire Lab Is Helping Foresters Prepare for a Hotter Planet(opens in new tab)
From The New York Times, by Henry Fountain | January 5, 2022
When the Bootleg fire tore through a nature reserve in Oregon this summer, the destruction varied in different areas. Researchers say forest management methods, including controlled burns, were a big factor.
Big Park Council Submits Comments in Opposition To APS Above-Ground Powerline(opens in new tab)
From Sedona.Biz | January 8, 2022
Big Park Regional Coordinating Council has submitted a letter to the U.S. Forest Service in opposition to a proposed, above-ground Arizona Public Service Powerline Project that would run across Coconino National Forest and require a special use permit from the Forest Service
Judge Pauses California Luxury Development Over Wildfire Evacuation Concerns(opens in new tab)
From Los Angeles Times, by Alex Wigglesworth | January 10, 2022
After plans for luxury resort fail to account for wildfire evacuation plans, judge orders a stop to the project
In Fire-Prone California, Experts Push Utilities to Monitor the Riskiest Equipment on the Grid(opens in new tab)
From Market Place, by Lily Jamali | January 6, 2022
Amidst some of California's most deadly wildfires, there is a push for power companies in the state to take inventory of their oldest infrastructure
Development of Ultra-Luxury Northern California Resort Stopped Due to Wildfire Risk(opens in new tab)
From SF Gate, by Amy Graff | January 7, 2022
Because of failure to consider wildfire evacuation strategies, judge halts development of massive ultra-luxury resort in Northern California
Dog Lost in Caldor Fire Last Summer Rescued in Snowy Northern California Mountains(opens in new tab)
From The Mercury News, by Associated Press | January 10, 2022
A dog separated from owner in last summer's wildfire evacuations in Northern California mountains is found in deep snow last month, leading to intense rescue operation
Pandemic Adds Time, Cost to Rebuild After Colo. Wildfire(opens in new tab)
From U.S. News, by Associated Press | January 7, 2022
In Colorado and other states hit by natural disasters this year, the pandemic has injected extra uncertainty and created more obstacles for families trying to rebuild.
New Study Shows Protecting Ecosystems Takes Priority Over Planting Trees For Carbon Storage(opens in new tab)
From Clean Technica, by Johnna Crider | January 9, 2022
Though planting trees is a necessity for removing carbon from the atmosphere, a new study has found that the first priority is protecting ecosystems by reducing emission and carbon removal from the atmosphere
This Isn’t the California I Married(opens in new tab)
From The New York Times, by Elizabeth Weil | January 3, 2022
The honeymoon’s over for its residents now that wildfires are almost constant. Has living in this natural wonderland lost its magic?
Biden Surveys Colorado Wildfire Damage, Comforts Victims(opens in new tab)
From KKTV, by Associated Press | January 7, 2022
President Biden and his wife comfort Coloradans struggling with rebuilding homes and businesses destroyed by last week's winter fire that burned through a pair of heavily populated suburbs between Denver and Boulder.
Marshall Fire Survivors Find 'Silver Linings' At Recovery Center as Biden Visits(opens in new tab)
From KUNC, by Scott Franz | January 7, 2022
Though survivors of the Colorado fire struggle with their painful loss, residents come together in support of one another to make the rebuilding process easier
Revisiting Greenville: The Mountain Town Destroyed by California’s Largest Wildfire(opens in new tab)
From The Guardian, by Dani Anguiano | January 5, 2022
Four months after the Dixie fire wiped away more than a century of history in a town of 1,100 in just half an hour, the majority of residents are still displaced
Tree Touching PG&E Power Line Sparked California's Dixie Wildfire, Investigation Finds(opens in new tab)
From Reuters | January 6, 2022
A tree coming in contact with cables operated by Pacific Gas and Electric power utility has been found to have sparked California's second largest ever wildfire
Superior Mayor Discusses Recovery, Housing Challenges After Historic Wildfire in Boulder County, CO(opens in new tab)
From Public Radio East | January 5, 2022
Discussion with mayor of Superior, Colorado, Clint Folsom, about recovery efforts in hardest hit town after Marshall Fire
Resources Aid Victims in Marshall Fire Recovery(opens in new tab)
From Daily Camera, by Deryn Davidson and Sharon Bokan | January 4, 2022
Wildfire and fire recovery resources made available to victims of the Marshall Fire
Interview: Butte County District Attorney on Prosecuting PG&E for Another Wildfire(opens in new tab)
From capradio, by Tiffany Lew and Mike Hagerty | January 9, 2022
District attorney of Butte County, Michael Ramsey discusses filing charges in regards to fire after prosecuting PG&E for the 2018 Camp Fire
Clever Wood Use Could Mitigate Wildfires and Climate Change(opens in new tab)
From Eos, by Andrew Chapman | January 5, 2022
California plans to use forest thinning to reduce wildfire risk. New research suggests the state could also see a climate benefit by repurposing waste wood produced by thinning.
See California Wildlife Return to Wildfire Zones, Courtesy of Hidden Cameras(opens in new tab)
From KQED, by Danielle Venton | January 7, 2022
Through multiple hidden cameras set up along Northern California forests, researchers find that areas where fire has been less severe have begun to increase in biodiversity
‘We Can’t Ignore Reality’: Colorado Fires Highlight Urgency of US Climate Legislation(opens in new tab)
From The Guradian, by Nina Lakhani | January 7, 2022
Build Back Better bill hangs in balance as Biden takes his sixth tour of a climate disaster since taking office
Exclusive: Newsom’s Budget Would Add Billions to Fight Drought, Fires and Boost California Farm(opens in new tab)
From The Sacramento Bee, by Sophia Bollag | January 9, 2022
On Monday, Gov. Newsom will propose spending billions of additional dollars on drought response, wildfire suppression and rural workforce development programs
How the IRS Taxes Wildfire Victims(opens in new tab)
From Forbes, by Robert W. Wood | July 29 , 2021
Variables and standards that will determine how fire victims are taxed