Map: See Where Wildfires Are Burning in California
Wildfire Season Just Got Worse. Here's How to Prepare Your Home
Wildfire News
Newsom Signs New Law to Clear Confusion Around Smoke Damage
PG&E Warns 14,000 Northern California Residents Could See Power Cuts Due to Fire Risk
Deal on California Wildfire Liability Collapses in Legislature
Big Sur Fires Cost Around $80 Million So Far, Could Burn Until October Rains
Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Last-Minute Deal on Wildfire Fallout
Newsom’s Wildfire Gamble and Two Voting Court Cases
Crews Struggle to Contain Big Sur Fires With El Niño on the Horizon
The Santa Cruz Recovery Group Helping Fire Victims Rebuild Their Homes
Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away
Can California farmers produce solar energy alongside food?
Older and Overlooked
Living With Wildfire
One Potential Solution to Deadly Fires in the Wilderness: Don't Build There
'Increasingly Unavailable and Unaffordable': Home Insurance Threatened Amid Wildfire Crisis
Who’s Checking Your Neighborhood for Flammable Brush? Maybe No One
We Can Make California Wildfires Less Horrific. Will We?
In the Age of Fast-Moving Fires, What's the Best Way to Get People Out?
Town Unites Against Federal Mismanagement to Save Forest
This California Neighborhood Was Built to Survive a Wildfire. And It Worked
Player sponsored by
window.__IS_SSR__=true
window.__INITIAL_STATE__={
"attachmentsReducer": {
"audio_0": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_0",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background0.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_1": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_1",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background1.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_2": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_2",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background2.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_3": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_3",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background3.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_4": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_4",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background4.jpg"
}
}
},
"placeholder": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "placeholder",
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-lrg": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-med": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-sm": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xxsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"small": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xlarge": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-32": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 32,
"height": 32,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-50": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 50,
"height": 50,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-64": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 64,
"height": 64,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-96": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 96,
"height": 96,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-128": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 128,
"height": 128,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"detail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
}
},
"science_1993849": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1993849",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1993849",
"found": true
},
"title": "wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality",
"publishDate": 1722882240,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 1930023,
"modified": 1722882240,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-800x491.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 491,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-1020x626.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 626,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-160x98.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 98,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-768x472.jpg",
"width": 768,
"height": 472,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-1536x943.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 943,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-2048x1258.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"height": 1258,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality-1920x1179.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1179,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/09/wildfire-smoke-bay-area-air-quality.jpg",
"width": 2247,
"height": 1380
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_11993661": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_11993661",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "11993661",
"found": true
},
"title": "FireMapCap",
"publishDate": 1720724401,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 11834132,
"modified": 1720724401,
"caption": null,
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/FireMapCap-800x515.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 515,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/FireMapCap-1020x657.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 657,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/FireMapCap-160x103.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 103,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/FireMapCap-1536x990.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 990,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/FireMapCap-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/FireMapCap-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/06/FireMapCap.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1237
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1993586": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1993586",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1993586",
"found": true
},
"title": "230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED",
"publishDate": 1720649808,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1720652442,
"caption": "Empty lots dot the side of a residential area of Paradise, Butte County, on Aug. 9, 2023. The Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive fire in modern California history, swept through the area in 2018.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1985846": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1985846",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1985846",
"found": true
},
"title": "Wildfires Deadly Smoke",
"publishDate": 1702530319,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 1985830,
"modified": 1789503349,
"caption": "The San Francisco skyline is illuminated in a burnt, orange smog during wildfire season. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation this week\r\nto strengthen California’s long-term wildfire recovery.\r\n",
"credit": "Eric Risberg/AP Photo",
"altTag": "The San Francisco skyline is illuminated in a burnt, orange smog during wildfire season.",
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-800x533.jpeg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-1020x680.jpeg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-160x107.jpeg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-768x512.jpeg",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-1536x1024.jpeg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-672x372.jpeg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-1038x576.jpeg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02-1920x1280.jpeg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2023/12/CMWildfire02.jpeg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12099186": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12099186",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12099186",
"found": true
},
"title": "PG&EGetty",
"publishDate": 1789145080,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12099181,
"modified": 1789145128,
"caption": "A PG&E crew makes repairs along the Iron Horse Trail near Camille Avenue in Danville, California, on March 15, 2023. ",
"credit": "Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/PGEGetty-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/PGEGetty-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/PGEGetty-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/PGEGetty-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/PGEGetty-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/PGEGetty-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/PGEGetty.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12093941": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12093941",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12093941",
"found": true
},
"title": "California Wildfire",
"publishDate": 1785949492,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12093925,
"modified": 1785949529,
"caption": "A structure is engulfed in flames during the Gann Fire near Angels Camp in Calaveras County, California, on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. ",
"credit": "Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GannFireGetty1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GannFireGetty1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GannFireGetty1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GannFireGetty1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GannFireGetty1-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GannFireGetty1-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GannFireGetty1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12097306": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12097306",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097306",
"found": true
},
"title": "Western Wildfires",
"publishDate": 1787936676,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12097303,
"modified": 1788213071,
"caption": "A helicopter flies over Willow Creek to fill a water bucket to help fight the Plaskett Fire near Big Sur, California, on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026.",
"credit": "Nic Coury/AP Photo",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12062672": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12062672",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12062672",
"found": true
},
"title": "251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL",
"publishDate": 1762210607,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1762372016,
"caption": "Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a rally in support of Proposition 50 at IBEW Local 6 in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2025.",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12097440": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12097440",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097440",
"found": true
},
"title": "GettyImages-1234553524",
"publishDate": 1787954452,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12097383,
"modified": 1787956695,
"caption": "California Governor Gavin Newsom looks at a burned church with Assistant Region Chief for Cal Fire Curtis Brown in downtown Greenville, California on August 7, 2021. ",
"credit": "Josh Edelson / AFP Via Getty Images",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-2000x1321.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1321,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-2000x1321.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1321,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-160x106.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 106,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-1536x1015.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1015,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-2048x1353.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"height": 1353,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-2000x1321.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1321,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/GettyImages-1234553524-scaled.jpg",
"width": 2560,
"height": 1691
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12097307": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12097307",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097307",
"found": true
},
"title": "Western Wildfires",
"publishDate": 1787936681,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12097303,
"modified": 1787936717,
"caption": "Smoke billows from the Plaskett Fire near Big Sur, California, on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. ",
"credit": "Nic Coury/AP Photo",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP1-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP1-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_11880272": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_11880272",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "11880272",
"found": true
},
"parent": 11880250,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 107
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 680
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1024
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 533
}
},
"publishDate": 1625248320,
"modified": 1625248381,
"caption": "Brian and Emma Dean hold a photo of their house at the property in Boulder Creek on April 9, 2021, where the home stood before it was destroyed by the CZU Lighting Complex Fire.",
"description": null,
"title": "RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut",
"credit": "Beth LaBerge/KQED",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": null,
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12097095": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12097095",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097095",
"found": true
},
"title": "BigSurGetty4",
"publishDate": 1787856969,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12097092,
"modified": 1787866459,
"caption": "Traffic crosses Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, California, on May 30, 2026. The crowds have gotten so bad at the bridge and created a hazardous situation that the Monterey County Board of Supervisors is working on a plan to ban parking for one year at the landmark.",
"credit": "Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images",
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"news_12097002": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "news_12097002",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097002",
"found": true
},
"title": "082426agrivoltaics-1",
"publishDate": 1787836390,
"status": "inherit",
"parent": 12097001,
"modified": 1787836468,
"caption": "Graduate student Gavin Chaboya Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, at the UC Davis agrivoltaics test site in Davis.",
"credit": null,
"altTag": null,
"description": null,
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/082426agrivoltaics-1-160x120.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 120,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/082426agrivoltaics-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/082426agrivoltaics-1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-wide": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/082426agrivoltaics-1-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 675,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"npr-cds-square": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/082426agrivoltaics-1-600x600.jpg",
"width": 600,
"height": 600,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/082426agrivoltaics-1.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"height": 900
}
},
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1943269": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1943269",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1943269",
"found": true
},
"parent": 1943266,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-160x106.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 106
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-e1560298313550.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1278
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-1020x679.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 679
},
"complete_open_graph": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-1200x798.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 798
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-1920x1278.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1278
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-800x532.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 532
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Santa-Barbara-Wildfire-768x511.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 511
}
},
"publishDate": 1560298298,
"modified": 1560298469,
"caption": "A mansion saved from a raging wildfire sits on a scorched hillside in Santa Barbara, November 2008. ",
"description": null,
"title": "A mansion that was saved from a fire sit",
"credit": "Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1943211": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1943211",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1943211",
"found": true
},
"parent": 1943180,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-160x99.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 99
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"height": 1273
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-1020x634.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 634
},
"complete_open_graph": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-1200x746.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 746
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-1920x1193.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1193
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-800x497.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 497
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-fire-insurance-768x477.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 477
}
},
"publishDate": 1560210296,
"modified": 1560210701,
"caption": "A firefighter, seen here in the distance, right side, is watering down burning embers on a hillside overlooking homes in West Hills, California, during the Woolsey Fire of November 2018.",
"description": null,
"title": "US-FIRE-CALIFORNIA-ENVIRONMENT-WEATHER",
"credit": "Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1943071": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1943071",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1943071",
"found": true
},
"parent": 1943058,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-160x90.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 90
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1080
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-1020x574.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 574
},
"complete_open_graph": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 675
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-1920x1080.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1080
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-800x450.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 450
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/defensible-space-768x432.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 432
}
},
"publishDate": 1559945241,
"modified": 1560144309,
"caption": "Flames from the Rocky Fire approach a house in Lower Lake, California, in 2015. ",
"description": null,
"title": "Wildfire Grows Rapidly In California's Lake County",
"credit": "Justin Sullivan/Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1942463": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1942463",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1942463",
"found": true
},
"parent": 1941376,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 107
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 680
},
"complete_open_graph": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-1200x800.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 800
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1280
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 533
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/California-wildfire-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 512
}
},
"publishDate": 1559166249,
"modified": 1576012382,
"caption": "Embers fly as wind and flames from the Camp fire tear through Paradise, California on Nov. 8, 2018.",
"description": null,
"title": "US-FIRE-WEATHER",
"credit": "Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1942662": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1942662",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1942662",
"found": true
},
"parent": 1942547,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-160x106.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 106
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-e1559342897687.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1269
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-1020x674.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 674
},
"complete_open_graph": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-1200x793.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 793
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-1920x1269.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1269
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-800x529.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 529
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Paradise-Camp-Fire-Cars-768x508.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 508
}
},
"publishDate": 1559342877,
"modified": 1566433166,
"caption": "Cars abandoned by Paradise residents during the November 2018 Camp Fire. ",
"description": null,
"title": "Rapidly-Spreading Wildfire In California's Butte County Prompts Evacuations",
"credit": "Justin Sullivan/Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1942643": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1942643",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1942643",
"found": true
},
"parent": 1942299,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 107
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-e1559332057779.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 680
},
"complete_open_graph": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-1200x800.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 800
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1280
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 533
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire-Weaverville-6-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 512
}
},
"publishDate": 1559332013,
"modified": 1559332642,
"caption": "Kelly Sheen, Clarence Rose, Alex Cousins and Bob Morris in the Weaverville Community Forest. Even residents who have different ideas about how to use and manage the forest have come together in agreement that local control is better than leaving the federal government in charge.",
"description": null,
"title": "Forest management in the town of Weaverville, CA",
"credit": "Hung T. Vu/KQED",
"status": "inherit",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"science_1942403": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "science_1942403",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1942403",
"found": true
},
"parent": 1941685,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-160x90.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 90
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1080
},
"large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-1020x574.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 574
},
"complete_open_graph": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-1200x675.jpg",
"width": 1200,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 675
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-1920x1080.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1080
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-800x450.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 450
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Wildfire_KQED_Crop-768x432.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 432
}
},
"publishDate": 1559144432,
"modified": 1559151963,
"caption": "The 2007 Witch Fire burned right up to The Crosby neighborhood at Rancho Santa Fe, but not a single house was ignited.",
"description": null,
"title": "Wildfire_KQED_Crop",
"credit": "Don Barletti/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
}
},
"audioPlayerReducer": {
"postId": "stream_live",
"isPaused": true,
"isPlaying": false,
"pfsActive": false,
"pledgeModalIsOpen": true,
"playerDrawerIsOpen": false,
"liveAudioPlayStartedAt": 0,
"liveAudioPlayContext": ""
},
"authorsReducer": {
"matthewgreen": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "1263",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "1263",
"found": true
},
"name": "Matthew Green",
"firstName": "Matthew",
"lastName": "Green",
"slug": "matthewgreen",
"email": "mgreen@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Editor/Reporter",
"bio": "Matthew Green is a digital media producer for KQED News. He previously produced \u003ca href=\"http://www.kqed.org/lowdown\">The Lowdown\u003c/a>, KQED’s multimedia news education blog. Matthew's written for numerous Bay Area publications, including the Oakland Tribune and San Francisco Chronicle. He also taught journalism classes at Fremont High School in East Oakland.\r\n\r\nEmail: mgreen@kqed.org; Twitter: @MGreenKQED",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3bf498d1267ca02c8494f33d8cfc575e?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "MGreenKQED",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": []
},
{
"site": "lowdown",
"roles": []
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": []
},
{
"site": "education",
"roles": []
},
{
"site": "quest",
"roles": []
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": []
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Matthew Green | KQED",
"description": "KQED Editor/Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3bf498d1267ca02c8494f33d8cfc575e?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3bf498d1267ca02c8494f33d8cfc575e?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/matthewgreen"
},
"dventon": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11088",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11088",
"found": true
},
"name": "Danielle Venton",
"firstName": "Danielle",
"lastName": "Venton",
"slug": "dventon",
"email": "dventon@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"science"
],
"title": "Science reporter",
"bio": "Danielle Venton is a reporter for KQED Science. She covers wildfires, space and oceans (though she is prone to sea sickness).\r\n\r\nBefore joining KQED in 2015, Danielle was a staff reporter at KRCB in Sonoma County and a freelancer. She studied science communication at UC Santa Cruz and formerly worked at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland where she wrote about computing. She lives in Sonoma County and enjoys backpacking.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/37b292b5c40c8d93959c4f48d73b5286f41b7abd8588277e941905a3ed4c801c?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "DanielleVenton",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "futureofyou",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Danielle Venton | KQED",
"description": "Science reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/37b292b5c40c8d93959c4f48d73b5286f41b7abd8588277e941905a3ed4c801c?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/37b292b5c40c8d93959c4f48d73b5286f41b7abd8588277e941905a3ed4c801c?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/dventon"
},
"parcuni": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11368",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11368",
"found": true
},
"name": "Peter Arcuni",
"firstName": "Peter",
"lastName": "Arcuni",
"slug": "parcuni",
"email": "parcuni@KQED.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"science"
],
"title": "Reporter",
"bio": "Peter reports radio and online stories for \u003cem>KQED Science\u003c/em>. His work has also appeared on the \u003cem>The California Report\u003c/em> morning show and \u003cem>KQED News\u003c/em>. His production credits include \u003cem>The California Report, The California Report Magazine\u003c/em> and KQED's local news podcast \u003cem>The Bay\u003c/em>. Other credits include NPR's \u003cem>All Things Considered\u003c/em>, WNYC's \u003cem>Science Friday\u003c/em>, WBUR's \u003cem>Here & Now\u003c/em>, WIRED and SFGate. Peter graduated from Brown University and earned a master's degree in journalism from Stanford. He's covered everything from homelessness to wildfires, health, the environment, arts and Thanksgiving in San Quentin prison. In other lives, he played rock n roll music and studied neuroscience. You can email him at: parcuni@kqed.org",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d5032f6f27199d478af34ad2e1d98732?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "peterarcuni",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Peter Arcuni | KQED",
"description": "Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d5032f6f27199d478af34ad2e1d98732?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d5032f6f27199d478af34ad2e1d98732?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/parcuni"
},
"gmarzorati": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "227",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "227",
"found": true
},
"name": "Guy Marzorati",
"firstName": "Guy",
"lastName": "Marzorati",
"slug": "gmarzorati",
"email": "gmarzorati@KQED.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Correspondent",
"bio": "Guy Marzorati is a correspondent on KQED's California Politics and Government Desk, based in San Jose. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Guy joined KQED in 2013. He reports on state and local politics and produces KQED's digital voter guide.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e7038b8dbfd55b104369b76b1cd0b9de?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "guymarzorati",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "elections",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Guy Marzorati | KQED",
"description": "Correspondent",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e7038b8dbfd55b104369b76b1cd0b9de?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e7038b8dbfd55b104369b76b1cd0b9de?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/gmarzorati"
},
"mlagos": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "3239",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "3239",
"found": true
},
"name": "Marisa Lagos",
"firstName": "Marisa",
"lastName": "Lagos",
"slug": "mlagos",
"email": "mlagos@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Marisa Lagos is a correspondent for KQED’s California Politics and Government Desk and co-hosts the award-winning show and podcast, Political Breakdown. At KQED, Lagos also conducts reporting, analysis and investigations into state, local and national politics for radio, TV, online and onstage. In 2022, she and co-host, Scott Shafer, moderated the only gubernatorial debate in California. In 2020, the \u003ci>Washington Post\u003c/i> named her one of the top political journalists in California; she was nominated for a Peabody and won several other awards for her work investigating the 2017 California wildfires. She has worked at the \u003ci>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/i>, \u003ci>San Francisco Examiner\u003c/i> and \u003ci>Los Angeles Times\u003c/i>. A UC Santa Barbara graduate, she lives in San Francisco with her two sons and husband.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a261a0d3696fc066871ef96b85b5e7d2?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "@mlagos",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Marisa Lagos | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a261a0d3696fc066871ef96b85b5e7d2?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a261a0d3696fc066871ef96b85b5e7d2?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/mlagos"
},
"carlysevern": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "3243",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "3243",
"found": true
},
"name": "Carly Severn",
"firstName": "Carly",
"lastName": "Severn",
"slug": "carlysevern",
"email": "csevern@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Senior Editor, Audience News ",
"bio": "Carly is KQED's Senior Editor of Audience News on the Digital News team, and has reported for the California Report Magazine, Bay Curious and KQED Arts. She's formerly the host of \u003ca href=\"http://ww2.kqed.org/pop/category/the-cooler/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Cooler\u003c/a> podcast.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54037bf5c128fe678f0ef26cec97a93f2e7f220a22d7285703328f12c42c1b1d?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "teacupinthebay",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "pop",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "futureofyou",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "about",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "mindshift",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "bayareabites",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "stateofhealth",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "food",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "perspectives",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Carly Severn | KQED",
"description": "Senior Editor, Audience News ",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54037bf5c128fe678f0ef26cec97a93f2e7f220a22d7285703328f12c42c1b1d?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/54037bf5c128fe678f0ef26cec97a93f2e7f220a22d7285703328f12c42c1b1d?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/carlysevern"
},
"calam": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11834",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11834",
"found": true
},
"name": "Christopher Alam",
"firstName": "Christopher",
"lastName": "Alam",
"slug": "calam",
"email": "calam@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Christopher Alam is a radio newscast intern working on local news and general assignment reporting. Before joining KQED he was active in college radio and journalism at UC Davis, where he received a bachelor's degree in English and professional writing in 2021. He is also a creative writer and does freelance work. Born in Fresno, he is now based in San Francisco and Oakland.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b3a8308c5aaa97024a7274f0a617bd7083c2b6c50039ea7d1c08f831158d1951?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "_chrisalam",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": "christopher_alam",
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Christopher Alam | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b3a8308c5aaa97024a7274f0a617bd7083c2b6c50039ea7d1c08f831158d1951?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/b3a8308c5aaa97024a7274f0a617bd7083c2b6c50039ea7d1c08f831158d1951?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/calam"
},
"kmonahan": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11842",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11842",
"found": true
},
"name": "Katherine Monahan",
"firstName": "Katherine",
"lastName": "Monahan",
"slug": "kmonahan",
"email": "kmonahan@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "Reporter / Sound Engineer",
"bio": "I cover state and local news. I’m also a sound engineer at the station, mixing stories and running live broadcasts. I link to source materials so that readers can draw their own conclusions, and seek comment from a range of perspectives, including from people directly affected by events. Awards received include from the Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California chapter and the Alaska Press Club. I speak multiple languages and have reported and engineered in the Bay Area, Alaska, West Africa and Latin America.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ff257b3a5da88893781a3d3266904b2d2f91c7f0e1bbf728f61f5fb81b74a669?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Katherine Monahan | KQED",
"description": "Reporter / Sound Engineer",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ff257b3a5da88893781a3d3266904b2d2f91c7f0e1bbf728f61f5fb81b74a669?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ff257b3a5da88893781a3d3266904b2d2f91c7f0e1bbf728f61f5fb81b74a669?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/kmonahan"
},
"kdebenedetti": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11913",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11913",
"found": true
},
"name": "Katie DeBenedetti",
"firstName": "Katie",
"lastName": "DeBenedetti",
"slug": "kdebenedetti",
"email": "kdebenedetti@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news",
"science"
],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Katie DeBenedetti is a digital reporter covering daily news for the Express Desk. Prior to joining KQED as a culture reporting intern in January 2024, she covered education and city government for the Napa Valley Register.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6e31073cb8f7e4214ab03f42771d0f45?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Katie DeBenedetti | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6e31073cb8f7e4214ab03f42771d0f45?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/6e31073cb8f7e4214ab03f42771d0f45?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/kdebenedetti"
},
"sarahwright": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11956",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11956",
"found": true
},
"name": "Sarah Wright",
"firstName": "Sarah",
"lastName": "Wright",
"slug": "sarahwright",
"email": "swright@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "Outdoors Engagement Reporter",
"bio": "Sarah Wright is KQED's Outdoors Engagement Reporter. Originally from Lake Tahoe, she completed a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in 2019 and was a U.S. Fulbright Program grantee to Argentina in 2023. Her journalism has appeared in The Guardian, The San Francisco Standard, The Palo Alto Weekly and the Half Moon Bay Review.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c161a3d6441865cba25e6db4fa561099ad665799e9432e34da2b84d7e371524c?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"contributor",
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "forum",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Sarah Wright | KQED",
"description": "Outdoors Engagement Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c161a3d6441865cba25e6db4fa561099ad665799e9432e34da2b84d7e371524c?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c161a3d6441865cba25e6db4fa561099ad665799e9432e34da2b84d7e371524c?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/sarahwright"
},
"ejackson": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "12003",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "12003",
"found": true
},
"name": "Ella Jackson",
"firstName": "Ella",
"lastName": "Jackson",
"slug": "ejackson",
"email": "ejackson@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": null,
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c688edc62aec1dcae096e1475956d245f72bde99cff316455871c9b22a7205b?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"author"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Ella Jackson | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c688edc62aec1dcae096e1475956d245f72bde99cff316455871c9b22a7205b?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3c688edc62aec1dcae096e1475956d245f72bde99cff316455871c9b22a7205b?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ejackson"
},
"barbaraleonard": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "12015",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "12015",
"found": true
},
"name": "Barbara Leonard",
"firstName": "Barbara",
"lastName": "Leonard",
"slug": "barbaraleonard",
"email": "bleonard@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news",
"science"
],
"title": "Digital Producer",
"bio": "Barbara Leonard is a Digital Producer on KQED's Express Desk.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ff8735665f58d15fa9da84c4d8d3098581e033ae84fe912784b7611f00ef0a4?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor",
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Barbara Leonard | KQED",
"description": "Digital Producer",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ff8735665f58d15fa9da84c4d8d3098581e033ae84fe912784b7611f00ef0a4?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3ff8735665f58d15fa9da84c4d8d3098581e033ae84fe912784b7611f00ef0a4?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/barbaraleonard"
},
"laurensommer": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "239",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "239",
"found": true
},
"name": "Lauren Sommer",
"firstName": "Lauren",
"lastName": "Sommer",
"slug": "laurensommer",
"email": "lsommer@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Lauren is a radio reporter formerly covering environment, water, and energy for KQED Science. As part of her day job, she has scaled Sierra Nevada peaks, run from charging elephant seals, and desperately tried to get her sea legs - all in pursuit of good radio. Her work has appeared on Marketplace, Living on Earth, Science Friday and NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered. You can find her on Twitter at \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/lesommer\">@lesommer\u003c/a>.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/33aa3772bb86c6ad45b8aca6a238bbdf?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor",
"manage_content_types",
"manage_taxonomies"
]
},
{
"site": "quest",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Lauren Sommer | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/33aa3772bb86c6ad45b8aca6a238bbdf?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/33aa3772bb86c6ad45b8aca6a238bbdf?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/laurensommer"
},
"mpeterson": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11223",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11223",
"found": true
},
"name": "Molly Peterson",
"firstName": "Molly",
"lastName": "Peterson",
"slug": "mpeterson",
"email": "mpeterson@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": null,
"bio": "Molly Peterson reports for KQED science and news on climate change, catastrophe and risk. Previously she was environment correspondent at Southern California Public Radio. Her work has also appeared at The New York Times, The Guardian, on NPR, at High Country News, on Code Switch, and other national outlets. She has been honored with awards from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, Investigative Reporters and Editors, the Society for Professional Journalists, the Los Angeles Press Club, and RTNDA Edward R. Murrow awards, among others.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7908e2807131f776cc8165c649530b05?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "Mollydacious",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": "https://www.instagram.com/radiomolly/",
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"subscriber"
]
},
{
"site": "futureofyou",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Molly Peterson | KQED",
"description": null,
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7908e2807131f776cc8165c649530b05?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7908e2807131f776cc8165c649530b05?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/mpeterson"
},
"jeremysiegel": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11258",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11258",
"found": true
},
"name": "Jeremy Siegel",
"firstName": "Jeremy",
"lastName": "Siegel",
"slug": "jeremysiegel",
"email": "jsiegel@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Jeremy Siegel is is the weekend afternoon news anchor for KQED. His reporting can be heard on KQED News, Morning Edition, All Things Considered and The California Report. Jeremy's coverage of the Camp Fire in Butte County won the 2019 Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California Chapter, Excellence in Journalism Award for Breaking News. Jeremy grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from UC Berkeley.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3921a64ceb9ed5d0ba47d9ae9782f1ab?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "jersiegel",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": []
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"subscriber"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": []
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Jeremy Siegel | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3921a64ceb9ed5d0ba47d9ae9782f1ab?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3921a64ceb9ed5d0ba47d9ae9782f1ab?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/jeremysiegel"
}
},
"pagesReducer": {
"root-site_wildfires": {
"type": "pages",
"id": "root-site_15468",
"meta": {
"index": "pages_1716337520",
"site": "root-site",
"id": "15468",
"score": 0
},
"slug": "wildfires",
"title": "Wildfires",
"headTitle": "Wildfires | KQED",
"pagePath": "wildfires",
"pageMeta": {
"sticky": false,
"WpPageTemplate": "page-topic-editorial",
"adSlotOverride": "300x250_news",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include"
},
"headData": {
"title": "Wildfire News & Resources for Californians | KQED",
"description": "Stay informed about the latest news about California wildfires with KQED's in-depth reporting, analysis, and resources.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialTitle": "Wildfire News & Resources for Californians | KQED",
"socialDescription": "Stay informed about the latest news about California wildfires with KQED's in-depth reporting, analysis, and resources."
},
"labelTerm": {
"site": ""
},
"publishDate": 1580927006,
"content": "\u003cp>Californians can learn to survive wildfire in a warming world. KQED’s reporting includes \u003ca href=\"/news/11880307/kqeds-wildfire-resources-prepare-protect-cope\">vital resources\u003c/a>, such as live maps on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834132/see-where-wildfires-are-burning-in-california\">where fires are burning\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">current air quality\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1950931/map-pge-power-outages\">current PG&E power outages\u003c/a> – as well as guides on \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/11833686/what-to-pack-in-your-emergency-bag-with-covid-19-in-mind\">what to pack for evacuation\u003c/a> and how to \u003ca href=\"/science/1965575/and-now-fire-season-heres-how-to-prepare\">protect your home\u003c/a>. Our in-depth coverage examines fire from all angles, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985778/more-california-towns-will-burn-we-should-plan-for-that\">highlights solutions\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985440/draft-living-in-californias-sierra-foothills-residents-confront-climate-change\">clearly explains\u003c/a> the connection between a warming climate and severe fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/olderandoverlooked/\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"343\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-800x343.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16166\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-800x343.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-1020x438.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-160x69.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-768x330.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-1536x659.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-2048x879.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-1920x824.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/a>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Californians can learn to survive wildfire in a warming world. KQED’s reporting includes \u003ca href=\"/news/11880307/kqeds-wildfire-resources-prepare-protect-cope\">vital resources\u003c/a>, such as live maps on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834132/see-where-wildfires-are-burning-in-california\">where fires are burning\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">current air quality\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1950931/map-pge-power-outages\">current PG&E power outages\u003c/a> – as well as guides on \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/11833686/what-to-pack-in-your-emergency-bag-with-covid-19-in-mind\">what to pack for evacuation\u003c/a> and how to \u003ca href=\"/science/1965575/and-now-fire-season-heres-how-to-prepare\">protect your home\u003c/a>. Our in-depth coverage examines fire from all angles, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985778/more-california-towns-will-burn-we-should-plan-for-that\">highlights solutions\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985440/draft-living-in-californias-sierra-foothills-residents-confront-climate-change\">clearly explains\u003c/a> the connection between a warming climate and severe fire.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Californians can learn to survive wildfire in a warming world. KQED’s reporting includes \u003ca href=\"/news/11880307/kqeds-wildfire-resources-prepare-protect-cope\">vital resources\u003c/a>, such as live maps on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834132/see-where-wildfires-are-burning-in-california\">where fires are burning\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">current air quality\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1950931/map-pge-power-outages\">current PG&E power outages\u003c/a> – as well as guides on \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/11833686/what-to-pack-in-your-emergency-bag-with-covid-19-in-mind\">what to pack for evacuation\u003c/a> and how to \u003ca href=\"/science/1965575/and-now-fire-season-heres-how-to-prepare\">protect your home\u003c/a>. Our in-depth coverage examines fire from all angles, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985778/more-california-towns-will-burn-we-should-plan-for-that\">highlights solutions\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985440/draft-living-in-californias-sierra-foothills-residents-confront-climate-change\">clearly explains\u003c/a> the connection between a warming climate and severe fire.\u003c/p>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"query": "posts/?tag=wildfirefeature&queryId=11071915400",
"title": "Featured Reporting"
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"query": "posts/news,science,arts?tag=wildfire,wildfires&excludeTag=wildfirefeature&queryId=a6d4ff4651",
"title": "Wildfire News",
"seeMore": true
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"query": "posts/?tag=overlooked&queryId=12fca81fbde",
"title": "Older and Overlooked"
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 16166,
"sizeSlug": "medium"
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/olderandoverlooked/\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-800x343.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16166\"/>\u003c/a>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/olderandoverlooked/\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-800x343.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16166\"/>\u003c/a>\u003c/figure>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"query": "posts/news,science,arts?tag=livingwithwildfire&queryId=190838ea70e",
"title": "Living With Wildfire"
},
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/ad",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": []
}
],
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1720816068,
"format": "standard",
"path": "/root-site/15468/wildfires",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Californians can learn to survive wildfire in a warming world. KQED’s reporting includes \u003ca href=\"/news/11880307/kqeds-wildfire-resources-prepare-protect-cope\">vital resources\u003c/a>, such as live maps on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834132/see-where-wildfires-are-burning-in-california\">where fires are burning\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area\">current air quality\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1950931/map-pge-power-outages\">current PG&E power outages\u003c/a> – as well as guides on \u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/11833686/what-to-pack-in-your-emergency-bag-with-covid-19-in-mind\">what to pack for evacuation\u003c/a> and how to \u003ca href=\"/science/1965575/and-now-fire-season-heres-how-to-prepare\">protect your home\u003c/a>. Our in-depth coverage examines fire from all angles, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985778/more-california-towns-will-burn-we-should-plan-for-that\">highlights solutions\u003c/a>, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1985440/draft-living-in-californias-sierra-foothills-residents-confront-climate-change\">clearly explains\u003c/a> the connection between a warming climate and severe fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/olderandoverlooked/\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"343\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-800x343.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16166\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-800x343.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-1020x438.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-160x69.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-768x330.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-1536x659.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-2048x879.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/See-How-Wildfires-Web@2x-1-1920x824.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/a>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"label": "root-site",
"isLoading": false
}
},
"pfsSessionReducer": {},
"postsReducer": {
"stream_live": {
"type": "live",
"id": "stream_live",
"audioUrl": "https://streams.kqed.org/kqedradio",
"title": "Live Stream",
"excerpt": "Live Stream information currently unavailable.",
"link": "/radio",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "KQED Live",
"link": "/"
}
},
"stream_kqedNewscast": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "stream_kqedNewscast",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/RDnews/newscast.mp3?_=1",
"title": "KQED Newscast",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "88.5 FM",
"link": "/"
}
},
"science_1930023": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1930023",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1930023",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1785510306000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area",
"title": "Your Bay Area Air Quality Map",
"publishDate": 1785510306,
"format": "aside",
"headTitle": "Your Bay Area Air Quality Map | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1968622/mapa-reporte-actual-de-la-calidad-del-aire-en-el-area-de-la-bahia\">Leer en español\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Concerned about wildfire smoke in your region? This map shows air quality ratings for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a> and California, updated every hour.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The large circles on the map show Air Quality Index (AQI) values — for ozone and AQI2.5 — as measured at official, outdoor permanent monitoring sites managed in the Bay Area by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-air-quality\">Air Quality Management District\u003c/a> and submitted to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/\">U.S. EPA’s AirNow database\u003c/a>. Data from these sensors is updated hourly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Smaller squares show real-time PM2.5 readings at low-cost, individually owned \u003ca href=\"https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#7.72/37.63/-121.556\">PurpleAir sensors\u003c/a> that may be located indoors or outdoors. Data is updated every four hours. Outliers may be a result of localized activities, such as small fires or exposure to vehicle exhaust. Alternatively, healthy air quality in an otherwise unhealthy location could be the result of a sensor placed in a well-ventilated indoor area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use the layer selector in the top left corner to toggle between layer views, including current wind and weather patterns, based on hourly weather station data provided by NOAA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>If the map does not display below, \u003ca href=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=a5534be2dbad4a168130942a641ab643\">view it here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=a5534be2dbad4a168130942a641ab643\" width=\"100%\" height=\"700\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Map produced by Matthew Green and \u003ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-soule-6a085819/\">Brendan Soulé\u003c/a>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cb>What does AQI mean?\u003c/b>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used to measure and report air pollution levels. It tells you how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects might be a concern. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, AQI values above 100 are considered unhealthy. Specifically, values between 101-150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups (like children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease), 151-200 are unhealthy, 201-300 are very unhealthy, and anything over 300 is considered hazardous. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the air quality is poor (AQI above 100), it’s best to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Sensitive groups should be especially cautious and may need to stay indoors. Checking the air quality forecast can help you plan your activities accordingly.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want more information about air quality and wildfire smoke?\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1926793/protecting-your-health-from-toxic-wildfire-smoke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">How to read air quality maps properly, from Purple Air to AirNow\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834305/masks-for-smoke-and-covid-19-what-kind-is-best\">Which masks are best for smoke?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Here is an expanded list of other air quality measurement resources:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://mobile.arb.ca.gov/breathewell/CityList.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Air Resource Board Breathewell for Mobile\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://aqicn.org/city/california/san-francisco/san-francisco-arkansas-street/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Air Quality Index\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://fire.airnow.gov/?lat=37.7576497&lng=-122.4353884&zoom=10\">AirNow is also running a project\u003c/a> that adds data from low-cost sensors to a fire and smoke map.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Breathe easy: this regularly-updated air quality map shows wildfire smoke impacts across the Bay Area.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1785860706,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": true,
"iframeSrcs": [
"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html"
],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 15,
"wordCount": 402
},
"headData": {
"title": "Bay Area Air Quality: Check Local AQI Levels Anytime | KQED",
"description": "Track current air quality in the Bay Area with an interactive map showing official AQI and local sensor data to help you plan your day safely.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialTitle": "Bay Area Air Quality: Check Local AQI Levels Anytime | KQED",
"socialDescription": "Track current air quality in the Bay Area with an interactive map showing official AQI and local sensor data to help you plan your day safely.",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Your Bay Area Air Quality Map",
"datePublished": "2026-07-31T08:05:06-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-04T09:25:06-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 31,
"slug": "climate",
"name": "Climate"
},
"source": "Air Quality",
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"showOnAuthorArchivePages": "No",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1968622/mapa-reporte-actual-de-la-calidad-del-aire-en-el-area-de-la-bahia\">Leer en español\u003c/a>\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Concerned about wildfire smoke in your region? This map shows air quality ratings for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/bay-area\">Bay Area\u003c/a> and California, updated every hour.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The large circles on the map show Air Quality Index (AQI) values — for ozone and AQI2.5 — as measured at official, outdoor permanent monitoring sites managed in the Bay Area by the \u003ca href=\"https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-air-quality\">Air Quality Management District\u003c/a> and submitted to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/\">U.S. EPA’s AirNow database\u003c/a>. Data from these sensors is updated hourly.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Smaller squares show real-time PM2.5 readings at low-cost, individually owned \u003ca href=\"https://map.purpleair.com/air-quality-standards-us-epa-aqi?opt=%2F1%2Flp%2Fa10%2Fp604800%2FcC0#7.72/37.63/-121.556\">PurpleAir sensors\u003c/a> that may be located indoors or outdoors. Data is updated every four hours. Outliers may be a result of localized activities, such as small fires or exposure to vehicle exhaust. Alternatively, healthy air quality in an otherwise unhealthy location could be the result of a sensor placed in a well-ventilated indoor area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Use the layer selector in the top left corner to toggle between layer views, including current wind and weather patterns, based on hourly weather station data provided by NOAA.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>If the map does not display below, \u003ca href=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=a5534be2dbad4a168130942a641ab643\">view it here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=a5534be2dbad4a168130942a641ab643\" width=\"100%\" height=\"700\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Map produced by Matthew Green and \u003ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-soule-6a085819/\">Brendan Soulé\u003c/a>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>\u003cb>What does AQI mean?\u003c/b>\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale used to measure and report air pollution levels. It tells you how clean or polluted the air is and what health effects might be a concern. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, AQI values above 100 are considered unhealthy. Specifically, values between 101-150 are unhealthy for sensitive groups (like children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease), 151-200 are unhealthy, 201-300 are very unhealthy, and anything over 300 is considered hazardous. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the air quality is poor (AQI above 100), it’s best to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. Sensitive groups should be especially cautious and may need to stay indoors. Checking the air quality forecast can help you plan your activities accordingly.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Want more information about air quality and wildfire smoke?\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1926793/protecting-your-health-from-toxic-wildfire-smoke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1969271/making-sense-of-purple-air-vs-airnow-and-a-new-map-to-rule-them-all\">How to read air quality maps properly, from Purple Air to AirNow\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834305/masks-for-smoke-and-covid-19-what-kind-is-best\">Which masks are best for smoke?\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Here is an expanded list of other air quality measurement resources:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://mobile.arb.ca.gov/breathewell/CityList.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Air Resource Board Breathewell for Mobile\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"http://aqicn.org/city/california/san-francisco/san-francisco-arkansas-street/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Air Quality Index\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://fire.airnow.gov/?lat=37.7576497&lng=-122.4353884&zoom=10\">AirNow is also running a project\u003c/a> that adds data from low-cost sensors to a fire and smoke map.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1930023/map-heres-your-daily-air-quality-report-for-the-bay-area",
"authors": [
"1263"
],
"categories": [
"science_31",
"science_35",
"science_40",
"science_4450",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_505",
"science_524",
"science_4992",
"science_856",
"science_3820",
"science_3463",
"science_113",
"science_5342",
"science_5347"
],
"featImg": "science_1993849",
"label": "source_science_1930023"
},
"news_11834132": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_11834132",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "11834132",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1725908421000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "see-where-wildfires-are-burning-in-california",
"title": "Map: See Where Wildfires Are Burning in California",
"publishDate": 1725908421,
"format": "aside",
"headTitle": "Map: See Where Wildfires Are Burning in California | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834530/vea-donde-estan-sucediendo-los-incendios-en-california\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003cem>Leer en español \u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The following map shows current wildfires that are more than 100 acres in size. Click on each incident to find up-to-date information, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11624317/wildfires-youve-got-questions-weve-got-answers\">containment percentage\u003c/a>. Zoom in to see perimeters of larger incidents. Note that location and perimeter data are from different government sources, so burn acreage estimates for those two layers may differ based on disparate reporting methods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Click on the layers tab in the top left corner to view hot spots and any current fire weather warnings from the National Weather Service, including red flag warnings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>If the map does not display below, \u003ca href=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=4d8ff3a854854531a22958572b4259a8\">view it here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=4d8ff3a854854531a22958572b4259a8\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 94%;\" align=\"left\">\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Map by Matthew Green/KQED\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\">\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 94%;\" align=\"left\">\u003cstrong>Sources\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Wildfire locations are sourced from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/\">Cal Fire\u003c/a> and perimeters from the \u003ca href=\"https://data-nifc.opendata.arcgis.com/\">National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)\u003c/a>\u003c/i>.\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "A continuously updated map of active wildfires in California. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1783373078,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": true,
"iframeSrcs": [
"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html"
],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 7,
"wordCount": 131
},
"headData": {
"title": "Map: See Where Wildfires Are Burning in California | KQED",
"description": "A continuously updated map of active wildfires in California. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Map: See Where Wildfires Are Burning in California",
"datePublished": "2024-09-09T12:00:21-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-07-06T14:24:38-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 8,
"slug": "news",
"name": "News"
},
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"showOnAuthorArchivePages": "No",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/11834132/see-where-wildfires-are-burning-in-california",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834530/vea-donde-estan-sucediendo-los-incendios-en-california\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u003cem>Leer en español \u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The following map shows current wildfires that are more than 100 acres in size. Click on each incident to find up-to-date information, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11624317/wildfires-youve-got-questions-weve-got-answers\">containment percentage\u003c/a>. Zoom in to see perimeters of larger incidents. Note that location and perimeter data are from different government sources, so burn acreage estimates for those two layers may differ based on disparate reporting methods.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Click on the layers tab in the top left corner to view hot spots and any current fire weather warnings from the National Weather Service, including red flag warnings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>If the map does not display below, \u003ca href=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=4d8ff3a854854531a22958572b4259a8\">view it here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 100%;\" align=\"center\">\n\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://kqedsf.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=4d8ff3a854854531a22958572b4259a8\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:0\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 94%;\" align=\"left\">\n\u003cp>\u003ci>Map by Matthew Green/KQED\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv align=\"left\">\u003c/div>\n\u003cdiv style=\"width: 94%;\" align=\"left\">\u003cstrong>Sources\u003c/strong>\u003cbr>\n\u003ci>Wildfire locations are sourced from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/\">Cal Fire\u003c/a> and perimeters from the \u003ca href=\"https://data-nifc.opendata.arcgis.com/\">National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)\u003c/a>\u003c/i>.\u003c/div>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/11834132/see-where-wildfires-are-burning-in-california",
"authors": [
"1263"
],
"categories": [
"news_19906",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_18538",
"news_20023",
"news_34204",
"news_4463"
],
"featImg": "news_11993661",
"label": "news"
},
"science_1965575": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1965575",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1965575",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1720695655000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "and-now-fire-season-heres-how-to-prepare",
"title": "Wildfire Season Just Got Worse. Here's How to Prepare Your Home",
"publishDate": 1720695655,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Wildfire Season Just Got Worse. Here’s How to Prepare Your Home | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>After two relatively mild fire seasons, 2024 looks poised to reverse that trend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As of early July, Cal Fire has responded to more than 3,500 wildland fires that have burned more than 207,000 acres. That’s a similar number of fires but 197,000 more acres than at this time in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Punishingly hot and dry conditions around the state have dried out grasses and brush, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11993386/california-heat-turned-brush-into-prime-fuel-for-fires-forests-will-be-next\">laying the conditions for fast-moving intense wildfires\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are fully fuel loaded at this point,” said Brian Garcia, the National Weather Service’s warning coordination meteorologist, on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906134/hot-summer-promises-more-blazes-this-wildfire-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KQED’s Forum\u003c/a> recently. He’s most concerned about the fall, when the Bay Area typically has its largest fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s when “[the weather] turns into the low humidity offshore wind, the gusty offshore wind regime that brought us fires like the Nuns, the Tubbs, the Kincade, the Camp,” said Garcia, citing some of the most destructive fires in California history, and in the history of the nation. “We need to be prepared now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_11993386]Cal Fire Battalion Chief of Communications Issac Sanchez said Californians shouldn’t wait. “Preparation steps need to be done now. That way, when a fire breaks out — not \u003cem>if\u003c/em> a fire breaks out in your community, but \u003cem>when\u003c/em> a fire breaks out in your community — you’re ready to react at a moment’s notice.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The public needs to maintain a constant state of readiness,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire has launched some new tools to help residents get organized. Its \u003ca href=\"https://plan.readyforwildfire.org/en\">fire\u003cem>PLANNER\u003c/em>\u003c/a> application hosts to-do checklists tailored to the user’s circumstances to prioritize safety steps. It also offers text alerts and information to track wildfires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKuwfnOXHO4&t=30s\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In any disaster, there aren’t enough emergency personnel to help everyone. So first responders depend on the majority of people being ready and able to take care of themselves and help their neighbors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of the top things to do, said Sanchez, is a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/DSpace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">self-assessment\u003c/a> of the trees, brush and other vegetation on and around your property. Learn the steps to protect your home from wildfire and start clearing brush and doing other key tasks now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ready for Wildfire\u003c/a> website and app breaks down steps everyone can take to get prepared. Sanchez also advised people to \u003ca href=\"http://calalerts.org/signup.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">register for emergency alerts\u003c/a> and evacuation warnings from their county’s emergency services agencies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Preparing for a wildfire or other disaster can feel daunting. So the\u003ca href=\"https://www.listoscalifornia.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Listos California \u003c/a>Emergency Preparedness Campaign provides a five-step readiness plan that sends you reminders \u003ca href=\"https://listos.arist.co/courses/5f0898b34456264206dbc956\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via text\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are some guidelines to help get you ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Prepare the outside of your home\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you live in a fire-prone area, sometimes called the “wildland-urban interface,” clearing brush and tree limbs close to your home is an important way to slow the spread of fires, increasing the chance of your home’s survival. This area of cleared and low vegetation is called “defensible space,” and you can think of it as a buffer zone, free of anything likely to catch fire.\u003cbr>\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uawt5fTLU6Q&feature=youtu.be\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire asks homeowners to think about two zones of defensible space. The first extends 30 feet from homes, outbuildings and decks:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Remove overhanging and dead branches. All branches should be a minimum of 10 feet away from your chimney and other trees.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>All dead vegetation should be removed.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Clear dry leaves and pine needles from the yard, roof and rain gutters.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Move wood piles to Zone 2.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Zone 2 extends from the end of Zone 1 to 100 feet out from your home, structures and deck:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli class=\"p1\">Here, mow annual grasses down to 4 inches or less, and create horizontal and vertical spaces between vegetation.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p1\">Don’t let fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones and small branches accumulate more than 3 inches high.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Find detailed instructions at \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/defensible-space/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Readyforwildfire.org\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1965579\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-800x555.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"555\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-800x555.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-160x111.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-768x533.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones.png 820w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One thing people don’t think about a lot is to make sure their home address is clearly visible. You should make sure it is. That way, if you call for emergency help, responders can find you.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Harden’ your home against wildfire\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Many homes that burn in a wildfire are never in the path of flames, but ignite from flying embers and firebrands that can accumulate in eaves or drift into vents. Hardening homes against fire can be as inexpensive as installing screens over vents and as pricey as installing new windows, roofing or siding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Find detailed information \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/hardening-your-home/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here\u003c/a>, including a low-cost \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Low-Cost-Retrofit-List-Updated-5_1_2024.pdf\">retrofit list (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Have a go bag ready\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_11833686]There are three reasons people tend to put off preparing for a disaster, says Karen Baker, co-chair of Listos California. “They either find it scary, expensive, and/or time-consuming,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Listos tries to overcome those qualms with a simple readiness guide, available in \u003ca href=\"https://www.elsolnec.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ENG-Disaster-Ready-Guide.pdf\">English (PDF)\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/508_LIS_DRG_19pp_1_03_ES_50520.pdf\">Spanish (PDF)\u003c/a>. Sign up for readiness text prompts \u003ca href=\"https://www.listoscalifornia.org/online-course/en/\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The organization recommends packing up some items in advance so you can get out of the house quickly if you need to. If cost is a concern, you can assemble the kits over time. Recommended items to pack beforehand:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Documents: copies of insurance, identification, and other important papers and photos.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cash: $1 and $5 bills are best.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Map: with different routes out of your neighborhood marked.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Medications list: Include all prescriptions and other important medical information.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Portable radio.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Flashlight.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>To grab on your way out the door:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Wallet, purse, keys.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Phone and charger.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Medicine.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Portable computer.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>First-aid supplies, N95 masks, hand sanitizer, wipes.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Change of clothes.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Anything else needed by people or animals in your household.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Create a plan for your household in the event of a wildfire emergency. (See Cal Fire’s wildfire \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">action plan checklist\u003c/a>.) And be sure you’re signed up to receive emergency alerts for your area. You can \u003ca href=\"http://calalerts.org/signup.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sign up here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire also recommends mapping out your household’s fire escape route and running your own \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/prepare-your-family/\">fire drills (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Expect Smoky Days\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='science_1926793']With wildfire comes smoke.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can get smoke advisories, forecasts and current fire conditions through the federal government’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/\">AirNow website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Keep windows and doors closed.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Use fans, air conditioners, ice packs or a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11836824/how-to-cope-with-the-california-heat-wave#tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">frozen bandana\u003c/a> to stay cool.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Know how the ventilation system in your home works and close the outdoor air damper, if there is one.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Avoid making indoor air pollution any worse by smoking cigarettes, spraying aerosols, frying food or burning candles or incense.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Buy an air cleaner (also called an air purifier) that doesn’t produce ozone and has a HEPA filter. Designate a “clean-air room” in your home for smoky days. (The Environmental Protection Agency has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-07/documents/guide_to_air_cleaners_in_the_home_2nd_edition.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">guide (PDF)\u003c/a> for air cleaners in the home).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If air purifiers are too costly, here’s a less expensive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1968863/helping-kids-protect-themselves-from-dirty-air-one-diy-filter-at-a-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DIY option\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Air purifiers can range from $100 on up and can be hard to obtain during bad fires, so think about buying one in advance of fire season. In California, few resources exist to help people with low income afford these devices; one asthma intervention program in Fresno does provide enrollees with air cleaners for a year. In years past, some counties have set up “clean air shelters” during smoky days.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>People power\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One theme running through the advice of fire and emergency officials: Your social network is one of your most important safety tools.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Really, when it comes down to a ‘no-notice’ event, like a fast-running wildland fire through your neighborhood, it really is neighbor helping neighbor,“ said Santa Rosa Fire Chief Gossner.\u003c/p>\n\u003caside class=\"alignright\">\n\u003ch3>Emergency Resource Websites\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://211CA.org\">211CA.org\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nDial 211 for evacuation routes, shelters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://CalAlerts.org\">CalAlerts.org\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSign up to get your county’s alerts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://Earthquake.ca.gov\">Earthquake.ca.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nGet MyShake earthquake warning app.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://Response.ca.gov\">Response.ca.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nReal-time wildfire and shelter news.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://Ready.gov\">Ready.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nResources to prepare for any disaster.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/aside>\n\u003cp>That means it’s time to think about who in your neighborhood might need help getting ready for fire season. Maybe they’re elderly and could use some help trimming vegetation. During an evacuation order, who will you check on and who will check on you? Write down their names and contact information, pack the list in your go bag, and share it with others for backup. At least one person on your list should live outside your area to ensure you’re not relying on someone who also might be affected by the fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if this feels overwhelming or scary, the time to do it is \u003cem>now\u003c/em>. Every step you can take toward preparedness makes you, your family, and your community a little bit safer.\u003cbr>\n[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A version of this story originally published on June 8, 2020.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "California's extended heat wave means some forests are primed to burn. Protect yourself, your family and your neighborhood by preparing now for wildfire.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1727135384,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 42,
"wordCount": 1519
},
"headData": {
"title": "Wildfire Season Just Got Worse. Here's How to Prepare Your Home | KQED",
"description": "California's extended heat wave means some forests are primed to burn. Protect yourself, your family and your neighborhood by preparing now for wildfire.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Wildfire Season Just Got Worse. Here's How to Prepare Your Home",
"datePublished": "2024-07-11T04:00:55-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-23T16:49:44-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"source": "Wildfire",
"sticky": false,
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/science/1965575/and-now-fire-season-heres-how-to-prepare",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>After two relatively mild fire seasons, 2024 looks poised to reverse that trend.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As of early July, Cal Fire has responded to more than 3,500 wildland fires that have burned more than 207,000 acres. That’s a similar number of fires but 197,000 more acres than at this time in 2023.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Punishingly hot and dry conditions around the state have dried out grasses and brush, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11993386/california-heat-turned-brush-into-prime-fuel-for-fires-forests-will-be-next\">laying the conditions for fast-moving intense wildfires\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We are fully fuel loaded at this point,” said Brian Garcia, the National Weather Service’s warning coordination meteorologist, on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101906134/hot-summer-promises-more-blazes-this-wildfire-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">KQED’s Forum\u003c/a> recently. He’s most concerned about the fall, when the Bay Area typically has its largest fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s when “[the weather] turns into the low humidity offshore wind, the gusty offshore wind regime that brought us fires like the Nuns, the Tubbs, the Kincade, the Camp,” said Garcia, citing some of the most destructive fires in California history, and in the history of the nation. “We need to be prepared now.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_11993386",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Cal Fire Battalion Chief of Communications Issac Sanchez said Californians shouldn’t wait. “Preparation steps need to be done now. That way, when a fire breaks out — not \u003cem>if\u003c/em> a fire breaks out in your community, but \u003cem>when\u003c/em> a fire breaks out in your community — you’re ready to react at a moment’s notice.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The public needs to maintain a constant state of readiness,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire has launched some new tools to help residents get organized. Its \u003ca href=\"https://plan.readyforwildfire.org/en\">fire\u003cem>PLANNER\u003c/em>\u003c/a> application hosts to-do checklists tailored to the user’s circumstances to prioritize safety steps. It also offers text alerts and information to track wildfires.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/kKuwfnOXHO4'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/kKuwfnOXHO4'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>In any disaster, there aren’t enough emergency personnel to help everyone. So first responders depend on the majority of people being ready and able to take care of themselves and help their neighbors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One of the top things to do, said Sanchez, is a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/DSpace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">self-assessment\u003c/a> of the trees, brush and other vegetation on and around your property. Learn the steps to protect your home from wildfire and start clearing brush and doing other key tasks now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ready for Wildfire\u003c/a> website and app breaks down steps everyone can take to get prepared. Sanchez also advised people to \u003ca href=\"http://calalerts.org/signup.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">register for emergency alerts\u003c/a> and evacuation warnings from their county’s emergency services agencies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Preparing for a wildfire or other disaster can feel daunting. So the\u003ca href=\"https://www.listoscalifornia.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Listos California \u003c/a>Emergency Preparedness Campaign provides a five-step readiness plan that sends you reminders \u003ca href=\"https://listos.arist.co/courses/5f0898b34456264206dbc956\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via text\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here are some guidelines to help get you ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Prepare the outside of your home\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>If you live in a fire-prone area, sometimes called the “wildland-urban interface,” clearing brush and tree limbs close to your home is an important way to slow the spread of fires, increasing the chance of your home’s survival. This area of cleared and low vegetation is called “defensible space,” and you can think of it as a buffer zone, free of anything likely to catch fire.\u003cbr>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/uawt5fTLU6Q'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/uawt5fTLU6Q'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>Cal Fire asks homeowners to think about two zones of defensible space. The first extends 30 feet from homes, outbuildings and decks:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Remove overhanging and dead branches. All branches should be a minimum of 10 feet away from your chimney and other trees.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>All dead vegetation should be removed.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Clear dry leaves and pine needles from the yard, roof and rain gutters.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Move wood piles to Zone 2.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Zone 2 extends from the end of Zone 1 to 100 feet out from your home, structures and deck:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli class=\"p1\">Here, mow annual grasses down to 4 inches or less, and create horizontal and vertical spaces between vegetation.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p1\">Don’t let fallen leaves, needles, twigs, bark, cones and small branches accumulate more than 3 inches high.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Find detailed instructions at \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/defensible-space/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Readyforwildfire.org\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1965579\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-800x555.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"555\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-800x555.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-160x111.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones-768x533.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/06/def_space_zones.png 820w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One thing people don’t think about a lot is to make sure their home address is clearly visible. You should make sure it is. That way, if you call for emergency help, responders can find you.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>‘Harden’ your home against wildfire\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Many homes that burn in a wildfire are never in the path of flames, but ignite from flying embers and firebrands that can accumulate in eaves or drift into vents. Hardening homes against fire can be as inexpensive as installing screens over vents and as pricey as installing new windows, roofing or siding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Find detailed information \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/hardening-your-home/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here\u003c/a>, including a low-cost \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Low-Cost-Retrofit-List-Updated-5_1_2024.pdf\">retrofit list (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Have a go bag ready\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "news_11833686",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>There are three reasons people tend to put off preparing for a disaster, says Karen Baker, co-chair of Listos California. “They either find it scary, expensive, and/or time-consuming,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Listos tries to overcome those qualms with a simple readiness guide, available in \u003ca href=\"https://www.elsolnec.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ENG-Disaster-Ready-Guide.pdf\">English (PDF)\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/508_LIS_DRG_19pp_1_03_ES_50520.pdf\">Spanish (PDF)\u003c/a>. Sign up for readiness text prompts \u003ca href=\"https://www.listoscalifornia.org/online-course/en/\">here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The organization recommends packing up some items in advance so you can get out of the house quickly if you need to. If cost is a concern, you can assemble the kits over time. Recommended items to pack beforehand:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Documents: copies of insurance, identification, and other important papers and photos.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cash: $1 and $5 bills are best.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Map: with different routes out of your neighborhood marked.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Medications list: Include all prescriptions and other important medical information.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Portable radio.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Flashlight.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>To grab on your way out the door:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Wallet, purse, keys.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Phone and charger.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Medicine.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Portable computer.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>First-aid supplies, N95 masks, hand sanitizer, wipes.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Change of clothes.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Anything else needed by people or animals in your household.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Create a plan for your household in the event of a wildfire emergency. (See Cal Fire’s wildfire \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-set/wildfire-action-plan/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">action plan checklist\u003c/a>.) And be sure you’re signed up to receive emergency alerts for your area. You can \u003ca href=\"http://calalerts.org/signup.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sign up here\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire also recommends mapping out your household’s fire escape route and running your own \u003ca href=\"https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/prepare-your-family/\">fire drills (PDF)\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Expect Smoky Days\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "science_1926793",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>With wildfire comes smoke.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You can get smoke advisories, forecasts and current fire conditions through the federal government’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.airnow.gov/\">AirNow website\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke:\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Keep windows and doors closed.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Use fans, air conditioners, ice packs or a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11836824/how-to-cope-with-the-california-heat-wave#tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">frozen bandana\u003c/a> to stay cool.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Know how the ventilation system in your home works and close the outdoor air damper, if there is one.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Avoid making indoor air pollution any worse by smoking cigarettes, spraying aerosols, frying food or burning candles or incense.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli class=\"p3\">Buy an air cleaner (also called an air purifier) that doesn’t produce ozone and has a HEPA filter. Designate a “clean-air room” in your home for smoky days. (The Environmental Protection Agency has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-07/documents/guide_to_air_cleaners_in_the_home_2nd_edition.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">guide (PDF)\u003c/a> for air cleaners in the home).\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>If air purifiers are too costly, here’s a less expensive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1968863/helping-kids-protect-themselves-from-dirty-air-one-diy-filter-at-a-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DIY option\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>Air purifiers can range from $100 on up and can be hard to obtain during bad fires, so think about buying one in advance of fire season. In California, few resources exist to help people with low income afford these devices; one asthma intervention program in Fresno does provide enrollees with air cleaners for a year. In years past, some counties have set up “clean air shelters” during smoky days.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>People power\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>One theme running through the advice of fire and emergency officials: Your social network is one of your most important safety tools.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Really, when it comes down to a ‘no-notice’ event, like a fast-running wildland fire through your neighborhood, it really is neighbor helping neighbor,“ said Santa Rosa Fire Chief Gossner.\u003c/p>\n\u003caside class=\"alignright\">\n\u003ch3>Emergency Resource Websites\u003c/h3>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://211CA.org\">211CA.org\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nDial 211 for evacuation routes, shelters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://CalAlerts.org\">CalAlerts.org\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nSign up to get your county’s alerts.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://Earthquake.ca.gov\">Earthquake.ca.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nGet MyShake earthquake warning app.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://Response.ca.gov\">Response.ca.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nReal-time wildfire and shelter news.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"http://Ready.gov\">Ready.gov\u003c/a>\u003cbr>\nResources to prepare for any disaster.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/aside>\n\u003cp>That means it’s time to think about who in your neighborhood might need help getting ready for fire season. Maybe they’re elderly and could use some help trimming vegetation. During an evacuation order, who will you check on and who will check on you? Write down their names and contact information, pack the list in your go bag, and share it with others for backup. At least one person on your list should live outside your area to ensure you’re not relying on someone who also might be affected by the fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if this feels overwhelming or scary, the time to do it is \u003cem>now\u003c/em>. Every step you can take toward preparedness makes you, your family, and your community a little bit safer.\u003cbr>\n\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>A version of this story originally published on June 8, 2020.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1965575/and-now-fire-season-heres-how-to-prepare",
"authors": [
"11088",
"11368"
],
"programs": [
"science_5376"
],
"categories": [
"science_40",
"science_5141",
"science_4450",
"science_3423",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_4417",
"science_3779",
"science_113",
"science_5342",
"science_5347"
],
"featImg": "science_1993586",
"label": "source_science_1965575"
},
"science_2001997": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_2001997",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "2001997",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1789515998000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "newsom-signs-new-law-to-clear-confusion-around-smoke-damage",
"title": "Newsom Signs New Law to Clear Confusion Around Smoke Damage",
"publishDate": 1789515998,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Newsom Signs New Law to Clear Confusion Around Smoke Damage | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\n\u003cp>One of the paradoxes facing people whose homes survive a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> is that they are often still victims of it. Sometimes, they have the least help for restoring their home to how it was. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>How insurance ought to address the damage caused by heat and smoke, even if the building never caught on fire, has been unclear, leaving survivors fighting to prove their homes were unsafe and to have their claims covered — until now. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation into law that establishes the nation’s first enforceable standards for testing and fixing smoke-damaged homes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“For future fire survivors, they will have peace of mind as well as safety,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network. Her home suffered smoke damage during the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ideally we’ll get some settled science on the question, ‘Is my house safe?’” Chen said. “‘What needs to be done to make it safe?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1998770\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The remains of a house in Altadena, California, after the Eaton Fire swept through the area northeast of Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Survivors of the 2025 Los Angeles firestorm were among the strongest advocates for changes. More than a quarter of all insurance claims stemming from the fires were for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047275/6-months-after-januarys-fires-recovery-is-just-beginning-for-many\">smoke damage\u003c/a> to homes that didn’t burn, according to estimates from the California Department of Insurance. Smoke-damaged homes can be polluted with lead, asbestos, benzene and other toxic substances. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“California will not leave survivors to navigate recovery alone,” Newsom said in a press release. “These new protections will make insurer obligations clearer and give homeowners more financial flexibility when they need it most.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1795\">bill\u003c/a>, AB 1795, was authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Los Angeles) and sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“For too many wildfire survivors, the end of the fire has never meant the end of the disaster. Families have spent months, and sometimes years, fighting over whether their homes were safe while navigating confusing and inconsistent insurance claims,” Lara said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This law closes a dangerous gap that left wildfire survivors without clear standards, clear answers, and often a clear path home.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Under the new law, the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control will develop standards for testing, remediating and restoring the lead and asbestos contamination that can come from wildfire smoke. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Insurance companies will have to assume that smoke damage from a wildfire impact zone came from the fire — meaning homeowners will not have to find a way to prove the cause — and will have to pay for the necessary testing, remediation and the living expenses of the household until the home is fixed and safe. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Policyholders will still have the right to select the restoration contractors of their choice. Insurance adjusters will get specialized training for handling smoke-damage claims. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Insurance broker Karl Susman, who lives in Southern California, said what he observed wasn’t so much the problem of claims getting denied, “they just were getting paid so inconsistently.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You might have one company that says, ‘We’re going to come in there, clean it all up, and we’re going to pay for you to live somewhere while we’re doing it.’ Another company would come in and say, ‘Yeah, just get a vacuum and you should be good.’” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other companies, he noted, might say the damage was so bad that everything in the house, including drywall, needed replacing. Each company is following interpretations of their own policies, he said, “but clearly a different outcome.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bill is not retroactive, however, so survivors of the LA fires will not in general be able to take care of the newfound clarity around insurance company’s responsibilities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, the consumer protection win was celebrated by advocates, including Amy Bach, executive director of San Francisco-based advocacy group United Policyholders. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The organization “has been fighting for over a decade to get insurers to routinely test and thoroughly restore wildfire-damaged homes and not mislead residents that their homes are safe to move back into when they aren’t,” Bach said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Governor’s signature on AB 1795 paves the way for better outcomes and fewer disputes going forward. We commend the Commissioner’s team for the countless hours spent with survivors, insurers, scientists, and professionals to craft these protections.”\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of the paradoxes facing people whose homes survive a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> is that they are often still victims of it. Sometimes, they have the least help for restoring their home to how it was. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>One of the paradoxes facing people whose homes survive a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> is that they are often still victims of it. Sometimes, they have the least help for restoring their home to how it was. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>How insurance ought to address the damage caused by heat and smoke, even if the building never caught on fire, has been unclear, leaving survivors fighting to prove their homes were unsafe and to have their claims covered — until now. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>How insurance ought to address the damage caused by heat and smoke, even if the building never caught on fire, has been unclear, leaving survivors fighting to prove their homes were unsafe and to have their claims covered — until now. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation into law that establishes the nation’s first enforceable standards for testing and fixing smoke-damaged homes. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation into law that establishes the nation’s first enforceable standards for testing and fixing smoke-damaged homes. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“For future fire survivors, they will have peace of mind as well as safety,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network. Her home suffered smoke damage during the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“For future fire survivors, they will have peace of mind as well as safety,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network. Her home suffered smoke damage during the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Ideally we’ll get some settled science on the question, ‘Is my house safe?’” Chen said. “‘What needs to be done to make it safe?”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Ideally we’ll get some settled science on the question, ‘Is my house safe?’” Chen said. “‘What needs to be done to make it safe?”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 1998770,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1998770\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The remains of a house in Altadena, California, after the Eaton Fire swept through the area northeast of Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1998770\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The remains of a house in Altadena, California, after the Eaton Fire swept through the area northeast of Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Survivors of the 2025 Los Angeles firestorm were among the strongest advocates for changes. More than a quarter of all insurance claims stemming from the fires were for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047275/6-months-after-januarys-fires-recovery-is-just-beginning-for-many\">smoke damage\u003c/a> to homes that didn’t burn, according to estimates from the California Department of Insurance. Smoke-damaged homes can be polluted with lead, asbestos, benzene and other toxic substances. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Survivors of the 2025 Los Angeles firestorm were among the strongest advocates for changes. More than a quarter of all insurance claims stemming from the fires were for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047275/6-months-after-januarys-fires-recovery-is-just-beginning-for-many\">smoke damage\u003c/a> to homes that didn’t burn, according to estimates from the California Department of Insurance. Smoke-damaged homes can be polluted with lead, asbestos, benzene and other toxic substances. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“California will not leave survivors to navigate recovery alone,” Newsom said in a press release. “These new protections will make insurer obligations clearer and give homeowners more financial flexibility when they need it most.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“California will not leave survivors to navigate recovery alone,” Newsom said in a press release. “These new protections will make insurer obligations clearer and give homeowners more financial flexibility when they need it most.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1795\">bill\u003c/a>, AB 1795, was authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Los Angeles) and sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1795\">bill\u003c/a>, AB 1795, was authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Los Angeles) and sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“For too many wildfire survivors, the end of the fire has never meant the end of the disaster. Families have spent months, and sometimes years, fighting over whether their homes were safe while navigating confusing and inconsistent insurance claims,” Lara said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“For too many wildfire survivors, the end of the fire has never meant the end of the disaster. Families have spent months, and sometimes years, fighting over whether their homes were safe while navigating confusing and inconsistent insurance claims,” Lara said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This law closes a dangerous gap that left wildfire survivors without clear standards, clear answers, and often a clear path home.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“This law closes a dangerous gap that left wildfire survivors without clear standards, clear answers, and often a clear path home.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Under the new law, the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control will develop standards for testing, remediating and restoring the lead and asbestos contamination that can come from wildfire smoke. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Under the new law, the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control will develop standards for testing, remediating and restoring the lead and asbestos contamination that can come from wildfire smoke. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"science_1965575"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2024/07/230809-SOLDOUTPARADISE-45-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Insurance companies will have to assume that smoke damage from a wildfire impact zone came from the fire — meaning homeowners will not have to find a way to prove the cause — and will have to pay for the necessary testing, remediation and the living expenses of the household until the home is fixed and safe. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Insurance companies will have to assume that smoke damage from a wildfire impact zone came from the fire — meaning homeowners will not have to find a way to prove the cause — and will have to pay for the necessary testing, remediation and the living expenses of the household until the home is fixed and safe. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Policyholders will still have the right to select the restoration contractors of their choice. Insurance adjusters will get specialized training for handling smoke-damage claims. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Policyholders will still have the right to select the restoration contractors of their choice. Insurance adjusters will get specialized training for handling smoke-damage claims. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Insurance broker Karl Susman, who lives in Southern California, said what he observed wasn’t so much the problem of claims getting denied, “they just were getting paid so inconsistently.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Insurance broker Karl Susman, who lives in Southern California, said what he observed wasn’t so much the problem of claims getting denied, “they just were getting paid so inconsistently.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You might have one company that says, ‘We’re going to come in there, clean it all up, and we’re going to pay for you to live somewhere while we’re doing it.’ Another company would come in and say, ‘Yeah, just get a vacuum and you should be good.’” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“You might have one company that says, ‘We’re going to come in there, clean it all up, and we’re going to pay for you to live somewhere while we’re doing it.’ Another company would come in and say, ‘Yeah, just get a vacuum and you should be good.’” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Other companies, he noted, might say the damage was so bad that everything in the house, including drywall, needed replacing. Each company is following interpretations of their own policies, he said, “but clearly a different outcome.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Other companies, he noted, might say the damage was so bad that everything in the house, including drywall, needed replacing. Each company is following interpretations of their own policies, he said, “but clearly a different outcome.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The bill is not retroactive, however, so survivors of the LA fires will not in general be able to take care of the newfound clarity around insurance company’s responsibilities. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The bill is not retroactive, however, so survivors of the LA fires will not in general be able to take care of the newfound clarity around insurance company’s responsibilities. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Still, the consumer protection win was celebrated by advocates, including Amy Bach, executive director of San Francisco-based advocacy group United Policyholders. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Still, the consumer protection win was celebrated by advocates, including Amy Bach, executive director of San Francisco-based advocacy group United Policyholders. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The organization “has been fighting for over a decade to get insurers to routinely test and thoroughly restore wildfire-damaged homes and not mislead residents that their homes are safe to move back into when they aren’t,” Bach said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The organization “has been fighting for over a decade to get insurers to routinely test and thoroughly restore wildfire-damaged homes and not mislead residents that their homes are safe to move back into when they aren’t,” Bach said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The Governor’s signature on AB 1795 paves the way for better outcomes and fewer disputes going forward. We commend the Commissioner’s team for the countless hours spent with survivors, insurers, scientists, and professionals to craft these protections.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The Governor’s signature on AB 1795 paves the way for better outcomes and fewer disputes going forward. We commend the Commissioner’s team for the countless hours spent with survivors, insurers, scientists, and professionals to craft these protections.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "California sets nation’s first standards for smoke-damaged homes.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1789519231,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 20,
"wordCount": 750
},
"headData": {
"title": "Newsom Signs New Law to Clear Confusion Around Smoke Damage | KQED",
"description": "California sets nation’s first standards for smoke-damaged homes.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Newsom Signs New Law to Clear Confusion Around Smoke Damage",
"datePublished": "2026-09-15T16:46:38-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-09-15T17:40:31-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 3730,
"slug": "wildfires",
"name": "Wildfires"
},
"source": "News",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-2001997",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/science/2001997/newsom-signs-new-law-to-clear-confusion-around-smoke-damage",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>One of the paradoxes facing people whose homes survive a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> is that they are often still victims of it. Sometimes, they have the least help for restoring their home to how it was. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>How insurance ought to address the damage caused by heat and smoke, even if the building never caught on fire, has been unclear, leaving survivors fighting to prove their homes were unsafe and to have their claims covered — until now. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation into law that establishes the nation’s first enforceable standards for testing and fixing smoke-damaged homes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“For future fire survivors, they will have peace of mind as well as safety,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network. Her home suffered smoke damage during the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ideally we’ll get some settled science on the question, ‘Is my house safe?’” Chen said. “‘What needs to be done to make it safe?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1998770\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2025/10/240109-CAWindStorm-076_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The remains of a house in Altadena, California, after the Eaton Fire swept through the area northeast of Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Survivors of the 2025 Los Angeles firestorm were among the strongest advocates for changes. More than a quarter of all insurance claims stemming from the fires were for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047275/6-months-after-januarys-fires-recovery-is-just-beginning-for-many\">smoke damage\u003c/a> to homes that didn’t burn, according to estimates from the California Department of Insurance. Smoke-damaged homes can be polluted with lead, asbestos, benzene and other toxic substances. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“California will not leave survivors to navigate recovery alone,” Newsom said in a press release. “These new protections will make insurer obligations clearer and give homeowners more financial flexibility when they need it most.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1795\">bill\u003c/a>, AB 1795, was authored by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Los Angeles) and sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“For too many wildfire survivors, the end of the fire has never meant the end of the disaster. Families have spent months, and sometimes years, fighting over whether their homes were safe while navigating confusing and inconsistent insurance claims,” Lara said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This law closes a dangerous gap that left wildfire survivors without clear standards, clear answers, and often a clear path home.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Under the new law, the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control will develop standards for testing, remediating and restoring the lead and asbestos contamination that can come from wildfire smoke. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Insurance companies will have to assume that smoke damage from a wildfire impact zone came from the fire — meaning homeowners will not have to find a way to prove the cause — and will have to pay for the necessary testing, remediation and the living expenses of the household until the home is fixed and safe. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Policyholders will still have the right to select the restoration contractors of their choice. Insurance adjusters will get specialized training for handling smoke-damage claims. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Insurance broker Karl Susman, who lives in Southern California, said what he observed wasn’t so much the problem of claims getting denied, “they just were getting paid so inconsistently.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You might have one company that says, ‘We’re going to come in there, clean it all up, and we’re going to pay for you to live somewhere while we’re doing it.’ Another company would come in and say, ‘Yeah, just get a vacuum and you should be good.’” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other companies, he noted, might say the damage was so bad that everything in the house, including drywall, needed replacing. Each company is following interpretations of their own policies, he said, “but clearly a different outcome.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The bill is not retroactive, however, so survivors of the LA fires will not in general be able to take care of the newfound clarity around insurance company’s responsibilities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, the consumer protection win was celebrated by advocates, including Amy Bach, executive director of San Francisco-based advocacy group United Policyholders. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The organization “has been fighting for over a decade to get insurers to routinely test and thoroughly restore wildfire-damaged homes and not mislead residents that their homes are safe to move back into when they aren’t,” Bach said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Governor’s signature on AB 1795 paves the way for better outcomes and fewer disputes going forward. We commend the Commissioner’s team for the countless hours spent with survivors, insurers, scientists, and professionals to craft these protections.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/2001997/newsom-signs-new-law-to-clear-confusion-around-smoke-damage",
"authors": [
"11088"
],
"categories": [
"science_31",
"science_40",
"science_4450",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_5178",
"science_4417",
"science_4414",
"science_5274",
"science_3779",
"science_5259",
"science_309",
"science_5347"
],
"featImg": "science_1985846",
"label": "source_science_2001997"
},
"news_12099181": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12099181",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12099181",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1789147503000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "pge-warns-14000-northern-california-residents-could-see-power-cuts-due-to-fire-risk",
"title": "PG&E Warns 14,000 Northern California Residents Could See Power Cuts Due to Fire Risk",
"publishDate": 1789147503,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "PG&E Warns 14,000 Northern California Residents Could See Power Cuts Due to Fire Risk | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>Residents in large parts of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/northern-california\">Northern California\u003c/a> could have their electricity turned off over the weekend as the region is hit with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098784/summer-finally-kicks-off-in-san-francisco-with-hot-weather-stretch-across-the-bay-area\">critical fire weather\u003c/a> conditions, according to PG&E.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The utility said that public safety power shutoffs are likely on Saturday and Sunday in eight counties around the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley due to high winds and dry conditions. Additional counties will be under watch as the weekend progresses, and some will continue to be monitored through Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Emergency Operations Center remains activated, and PG&E meteorology is continuing to monitor the potential for elevated fire weather conditions to occur tomorrow through Monday morning,” PG&E said in its Friday forecast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PG&E has issued Public Safety Power Shutoff warnings for El Dorado, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra and Tehama counties on Saturday and Sunday, meaning electricity shutoffs are likely. The utility will expand its monitoring to Butte, Colusa, Glenn and Yolo counties on Sunday, meaning shutoffs could be necessary. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"969\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11778921\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-160x81.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-800x404.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1020x515.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1200x606.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PG&E is monitoring northeastern counties for elevated fire risk. (Stephanie Lister/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By Monday, only Tehama County will be under watch for likely power cuts, while Butte, Colusa and Glenn counties continue to be monitored.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PG&E said that shutoffs aren’t expected countywide, and where they’re necessary will be determined at a “granular” level. On Thursday, the utility \u003ca href=\"https://www.pge.com/en/newsroom/currents/safety/potential-public-safety-power-shutoff-could-impact-portions-of-11.html\">predicted\u003c/a> that around 14,000 customers across 11 counties could be affected.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cooler weather is expected to blow into Northern California from the Pacific Northwest throughout the weekend after a week of extreme heat, but those milder temperatures will be accompanied by fast-moving winds, which threaten to quickly spread any fires that break out among dried-up brush and grasses. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PG&E said the Bay Area should expect gusty winds between 25 and 35 mph on Saturday, while further north, over the North and Central Sierra, gusts could hit 40 to 50 mph. Those winds, combined with a period of low relative humidity, will contribute to elevated fire potential, according to PG&E. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On its tail, another offshore flow of winds up to 35 mph is expected to develop over the Sacramento Valley, extending fire risk to the region on Sunday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Any fires that develop will spread rapidly,” the National Weather Service wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=STO&wwa=fire%20weather%20watch\">Fire Weather Watch\u003c/a> issued Friday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>NWS predicts that between 11 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Monday, relative humidity will drop to between 10% and 25%, further drying out flammable dead forest fuels. PG&E said in its forecast that dead fuel moisture values are already trending near or below normal for this time of year, and moisture content in brush is steadily declining, putting most species at “critically flammable levels.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the weekend, “fair, dry and seasonable” weather is expected to return to the region for the remainder of next week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Throughout the fall, the Northern Operations Predictive Services’ latest four-month seasonal outlook for significant fire potential predicts near- to above-normal potential in northeastern California throughout September, followed by normal fire potential in October through December. \u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Residents in large parts of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/northern-california\">Northern California\u003c/a> could have their electricity turned off over the weekend as the region is hit with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098784/summer-finally-kicks-off-in-san-francisco-with-hot-weather-stretch-across-the-bay-area\">critical fire weather\u003c/a> conditions, according to PG&E.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Residents in large parts of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/northern-california\">Northern California\u003c/a> could have their electricity turned off over the weekend as the region is hit with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098784/summer-finally-kicks-off-in-san-francisco-with-hot-weather-stretch-across-the-bay-area\">critical fire weather\u003c/a> conditions, according to PG&E.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The utility said that public safety power shutoffs are likely on Saturday and Sunday in eight counties around the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley due to high winds and dry conditions. Additional counties will be under watch as the weekend progresses, and some will continue to be monitored through Monday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The utility said that public safety power shutoffs are likely on Saturday and Sunday in eight counties around the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley due to high winds and dry conditions. Additional counties will be under watch as the weekend progresses, and some will continue to be monitored through Monday.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The Emergency Operations Center remains activated, and PG&E meteorology is continuing to monitor the potential for elevated fire weather conditions to occur tomorrow through Monday morning,” PG&E said in its Friday forecast. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The Emergency Operations Center remains activated, and PG&E meteorology is continuing to monitor the potential for elevated fire weather conditions to occur tomorrow through Monday morning,” PG&E said in its Friday forecast. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>PG&E has issued Public Safety Power Shutoff warnings for El Dorado, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra and Tehama counties on Saturday and Sunday, meaning electricity shutoffs are likely. The utility will expand its monitoring to Butte, Colusa, Glenn and Yolo counties on Sunday, meaning shutoffs could be necessary. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>PG&E has issued Public Safety Power Shutoff warnings for El Dorado, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra and Tehama counties on Saturday and Sunday, meaning electricity shutoffs are likely. The utility will expand its monitoring to Butte, Colusa, Glenn and Yolo counties on Sunday, meaning shutoffs could be necessary. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 11778921,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-160x81.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-800x404.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1020x515.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1200x606.jpg 1200w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11778921\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-160x81.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-800x404.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1020x515.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1200x606.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PG&E is monitoring northeastern counties for elevated fire risk.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Stephanie Lister/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11778921\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PG&E is monitoring northeastern counties for elevated fire risk.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Stephanie Lister/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By Monday, only Tehama County will be under watch for likely power cuts, while Butte, Colusa and Glenn counties continue to be monitored.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>By Monday, only Tehama County will be under watch for likely power cuts, while Butte, Colusa and Glenn counties continue to be monitored.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>PG&E said that shutoffs aren’t expected countywide, and where they’re necessary will be determined at a “granular” level. On Thursday, the utility \u003ca href=\"https://www.pge.com/en/newsroom/currents/safety/potential-public-safety-power-shutoff-could-impact-portions-of-11.html\">predicted\u003c/a> that around 14,000 customers across 11 counties could be affected.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>PG&E said that shutoffs aren’t expected countywide, and where they’re necessary will be determined at a “granular” level. On Thursday, the utility \u003ca href=\"https://www.pge.com/en/newsroom/currents/safety/potential-public-safety-power-shutoff-could-impact-portions-of-11.html\">predicted\u003c/a> that around 14,000 customers across 11 counties could be affected.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Cooler weather is expected to blow into Northern California from the Pacific Northwest throughout the weekend after a week of extreme heat, but those milder temperatures will be accompanied by fast-moving winds, which threaten to quickly spread any fires that break out among dried-up brush and grasses. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Cooler weather is expected to blow into Northern California from the Pacific Northwest throughout the weekend after a week of extreme heat, but those milder temperatures will be accompanied by fast-moving winds, which threaten to quickly spread any fires that break out among dried-up brush and grasses. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12097569"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>PG&E said the Bay Area should expect gusty winds between 25 and 35 mph on Saturday, while further north, over the North and Central Sierra, gusts could hit 40 to 50 mph. Those winds, combined with a period of low relative humidity, will contribute to elevated fire potential, according to PG&E. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>PG&E said the Bay Area should expect gusty winds between 25 and 35 mph on Saturday, while further north, over the North and Central Sierra, gusts could hit 40 to 50 mph. Those winds, combined with a period of low relative humidity, will contribute to elevated fire potential, according to PG&E. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On its tail, another offshore flow of winds up to 35 mph is expected to develop over the Sacramento Valley, extending fire risk to the region on Sunday. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On its tail, another offshore flow of winds up to 35 mph is expected to develop over the Sacramento Valley, extending fire risk to the region on Sunday. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Any fires that develop will spread rapidly,” the National Weather Service wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=STO&wwa=fire%20weather%20watch\">Fire Weather Watch\u003c/a> issued Friday. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Any fires that develop will spread rapidly,” the National Weather Service wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=STO&wwa=fire%20weather%20watch\">Fire Weather Watch\u003c/a> issued Friday. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>NWS predicts that between 11 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Monday, relative humidity will drop to between 10% and 25%, further drying out flammable dead forest fuels. PG&E said in its forecast that dead fuel moisture values are already trending near or below normal for this time of year, and moisture content in brush is steadily declining, putting most species at “critically flammable levels.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>NWS predicts that between 11 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Monday, relative humidity will drop to between 10% and 25%, further drying out flammable dead forest fuels. PG&E said in its forecast that dead fuel moisture values are already trending near or below normal for this time of year, and moisture content in brush is steadily declining, putting most species at “critically flammable levels.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After the weekend, “fair, dry and seasonable” weather is expected to return to the region for the remainder of next week.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After the weekend, “fair, dry and seasonable” weather is expected to return to the region for the remainder of next week.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Throughout the fall, the Northern Operations Predictive Services’ latest four-month seasonal outlook for significant fire potential predicts near- to above-normal potential in northeastern California throughout September, followed by normal fire potential in October through December. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Throughout the fall, the Northern Operations Predictive Services’ latest four-month seasonal outlook for significant fire potential predicts near- to above-normal potential in northeastern California throughout September, followed by normal fire potential in October through December. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "Residents across the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley are bracing for possible shutoffs this weekend due to high winds and dry conditions. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1789150022,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 13,
"wordCount": 525
},
"headData": {
"title": "PG&E Warns 14,000 Northern California Residents Could See Power Cuts Due to Fire Risk | KQED",
"description": "Residents across the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley are bracing for possible shutoffs this weekend due to high winds and dry conditions. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "PG&E Warns 14,000 Northern California Residents Could See Power Cuts Due to Fire Risk",
"datePublished": "2026-09-11T10:25:03-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-09-11T11:07:02-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 31795,
"slug": "california",
"name": "California"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12099181",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12099181/pge-warns-14000-northern-california-residents-could-see-power-cuts-due-to-fire-risk",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Residents in large parts of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/northern-california\">Northern California\u003c/a> could have their electricity turned off over the weekend as the region is hit with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12098784/summer-finally-kicks-off-in-san-francisco-with-hot-weather-stretch-across-the-bay-area\">critical fire weather\u003c/a> conditions, according to PG&E.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The utility said that public safety power shutoffs are likely on Saturday and Sunday in eight counties around the Sierra Nevada and Sacramento Valley due to high winds and dry conditions. Additional counties will be under watch as the weekend progresses, and some will continue to be monitored through Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The Emergency Operations Center remains activated, and PG&E meteorology is continuing to monitor the potential for elevated fire weather conditions to occur tomorrow through Monday morning,” PG&E said in its Friday forecast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PG&E has issued Public Safety Power Shutoff warnings for El Dorado, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra and Tehama counties on Saturday and Sunday, meaning electricity shutoffs are likely. The utility will expand its monitoring to Butte, Colusa, Glenn and Yolo counties on Sunday, meaning shutoffs could be necessary. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"969\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11778921\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-160x81.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-800x404.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1020x515.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2019/10/DSC5078-e1570605801462-1200x606.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PG&E is monitoring northeastern counties for elevated fire risk. (Stephanie Lister/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>By Monday, only Tehama County will be under watch for likely power cuts, while Butte, Colusa and Glenn counties continue to be monitored.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PG&E said that shutoffs aren’t expected countywide, and where they’re necessary will be determined at a “granular” level. On Thursday, the utility \u003ca href=\"https://www.pge.com/en/newsroom/currents/safety/potential-public-safety-power-shutoff-could-impact-portions-of-11.html\">predicted\u003c/a> that around 14,000 customers across 11 counties could be affected.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cooler weather is expected to blow into Northern California from the Pacific Northwest throughout the weekend after a week of extreme heat, but those milder temperatures will be accompanied by fast-moving winds, which threaten to quickly spread any fires that break out among dried-up brush and grasses. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PG&E said the Bay Area should expect gusty winds between 25 and 35 mph on Saturday, while further north, over the North and Central Sierra, gusts could hit 40 to 50 mph. Those winds, combined with a period of low relative humidity, will contribute to elevated fire potential, according to PG&E. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On its tail, another offshore flow of winds up to 35 mph is expected to develop over the Sacramento Valley, extending fire risk to the region on Sunday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Any fires that develop will spread rapidly,” the National Weather Service wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=STO&wwa=fire%20weather%20watch\">Fire Weather Watch\u003c/a> issued Friday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>NWS predicts that between 11 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Monday, relative humidity will drop to between 10% and 25%, further drying out flammable dead forest fuels. PG&E said in its forecast that dead fuel moisture values are already trending near or below normal for this time of year, and moisture content in brush is steadily declining, putting most species at “critically flammable levels.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After the weekend, “fair, dry and seasonable” weather is expected to return to the region for the remainder of next week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Throughout the fall, the Northern Operations Predictive Services’ latest four-month seasonal outlook for significant fire potential predicts near- to above-normal potential in northeastern California throughout September, followed by normal fire potential in October through December. \u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12099181/pge-warns-14000-northern-california-residents-could-see-power-cuts-due-to-fire-risk",
"authors": [
"11913"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_356"
],
"tags": [
"news_18538",
"news_19204",
"news_28199",
"news_5930",
"news_140",
"news_26868",
"news_26823",
"news_3187",
"news_23900",
"news_4463"
],
"featImg": "news_12099186",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12097752": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097752",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097752",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1788304061000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "deal-on-california-wildfire-liability-collapses-in-legislature",
"title": "Deal on California Wildfire Liability Collapses in Legislature",
"publishDate": 1788304061,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Deal on California Wildfire Liability Collapses in Legislature | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097357/newsom-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deal-on-wildfire-fallout\">last-minute legislative deal\u003c/a> to change California’s rules governing the fallout of damaging \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfires\u003c/a> sparked by utility equipment fell apart Tuesday, after the state Assembly ended its regular session without a vote on the plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915096/who-should-pay-when-utilities-companies-start-a-fire\">agreement announced\u003c/a> on Saturday between Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders sought to speed up payments for fire victims, limited compensation for power company executives after utility-caused fires, and prevented insurance companies from selling their right to sue utilities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After months of negotiations that pitted California utilities against insurance companies, supporters heralded the deal as a first step toward better aiding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">wildfire survivors\u003c/a> and shielding utilities from expensive legal settlements that have contributed to rising electric bills. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the leaders of PG&E and the parent company of SoCal Edison said the deal did not go far enough to ease the financial risks they face when their equipment starts a damaging blaze. Under California law, utilities are liable for damage caused by their equipment, regardless of whether they are found to have acted negligently. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084670\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about his state budget proposal on May 14, 2026, in Sacramento. (Jeff Chiu/AP)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stocks for PG&E and Edison International tumbled after the compromise was announced over the weekend, and Newsom — who had initially pushed for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">shifting more liability away from utilities\u003c/a> — publicly criticized the deal he had struck. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The reforms in this bill, while important, did not address the underlying structural problems driving this crisis, as the initial market reaction this week demonstrates,” the governor said in a statement Tuesday after the bill’s failure. “Simply put, this measure did not meet the gravity of this moment. The only solution is to return to fix the entire problem, not part of it.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Newsom’s office did not respond to a question about whether the governor would call a special session to continue work on the issue this fall. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Legislature convened on Tuesday morning, a day after the regular legislative session was scheduled to end, to cast a vote on a few remaining bills.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But moments before the Assembly ended its session, Speaker Robert Rivas announced that the chamber would not be holding a vote on the wildfire agreement, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We made this decision that we’re going to go back to work this fall,” Rivas said. “We’re not going to stop until we have done everything possible for those who have lost everything.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rivas’ announcement marked a surprising twist on a topic central to Newsom’s legacy as governor, as his final term ends in January. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Weeks after Newsom took office in 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy in the face of tens of billions of dollars in liabilities from the deadly Camp Fire in Northern California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the years since, wildfire liabilities have shaken the state’s insurance and electricity markets. Home insurers have raised premiums and exited the state completely in the face of massive losses, while utility spending on settlements and wildfire prevention has driven up California’s electricity rates to the second highest in the nation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wildfire liability costs now account for roughly 5% of Californians’ average monthly electricity bill, according to the California Public Utilities Commission, while wildfire mitigation — such as burying power lines and trimming trees — makes up about 15%. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Newsom proposed a major shift in wildfire risk from utilities to home insurers. His initial plan would have banned insurance companies from filing lawsuits against utilities, known as subrogation claims, to recover the payments they had made to wildfire victims. It would also have placed limits on claims of noneconomic damages and the amounts that local governments can recoup from utilities for destroyed infrastructure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"After the heavy toll of the Los Angeles fires, California regulators are moving ahead with rules to limit or clear vegetation within five feet of homes, a zone where flammable materials pose a\" class=\"wp-image-12068944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2000x1333.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a home during a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images North America)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But those changes met resistance from a formidable coalition of insurance companies, attorneys and wildfire-victim groups who \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized the governor’s push\u003c/a> as a bailout of the utilities that would discourage the power giants from prioritizing fire safety. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The deal announced in SB 492 would have restricted insurance companies only from selling their right to file such claims to private-equity firms. The bill would have also established a fast-pay system for fire victims, prevented utility executives from receiving bonuses after a utility-caused fire, authorized the creation of a statewide plan to reduce fire risk and capped the attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The survivor-advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network took a neutral position on the legislation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This bill was a balanced and meaningful first step with the understanding that we would continue working on the larger structural issues next year,” said Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, the bill’s author. “I am disappointed we could not deliver these reforms today, but I will not stop working on behalf of wildfire survivors.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg\" alt=\"A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in Nov. 2018 in Paradise. The deadline for 70,000 survivors of numerous fires to vote on a multi-billion-dollar settlement deal with PG&E was May 15.\" class=\"wp-image-11820077\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-1020x680.jpg 1020w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in November 2018, in Paradise, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As Democrats in the Legislature rebuffed Newsom’s proposed changes to limit utilities’ liability, PG&E’s share price dropped from over $18 on Friday to just above $13 on Monday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“A large segment of the entities that used to own California utilities — pension funds, kind of boring investors that need safe, reliable investments — were like, ‘We’re out of here, this is too much,’ and they sold their stock, and the stock fell as a result,” said Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The people that buy stock in that context are bargain shoppers looking for ways to make a lot of money fast — that’s called a hedge fund,” Wara added. “The thing we should worry about as Californians … is that the shareholders of the companies, the new shareholders, are going to do things to California to try to make a lot of money after they bought the stock cheap yesterday.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The conversation on where to place liability for destructive wildfires is not over, Wara said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Do we want to solve this problem ahead of time … or do we want to solve it in the context of the next utility bankruptcy?” Wara asked. “That is not a better place to solve this problem, but it may be where we have to solve it because the politics are so hard.”\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097357/newsom-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deal-on-wildfire-fallout\">last-minute legislative deal\u003c/a> to change California’s rules governing the fallout of damaging \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfires\u003c/a> sparked by utility equipment fell apart Tuesday, after the state Assembly ended its regular session without a vote on the plan. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097357/newsom-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deal-on-wildfire-fallout\">last-minute legislative deal\u003c/a> to change California’s rules governing the fallout of damaging \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfires\u003c/a> sparked by utility equipment fell apart Tuesday, after the state Assembly ended its regular session without a vote on the plan. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915096/who-should-pay-when-utilities-companies-start-a-fire\">agreement announced\u003c/a> on Saturday between Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders sought to speed up payments for fire victims, limited compensation for power company executives after utility-caused fires, and prevented insurance companies from selling their right to sue utilities. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915096/who-should-pay-when-utilities-companies-start-a-fire\">agreement announced\u003c/a> on Saturday between Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders sought to speed up payments for fire victims, limited compensation for power company executives after utility-caused fires, and prevented insurance companies from selling their right to sue utilities. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After months of negotiations that pitted California utilities against insurance companies, supporters heralded the deal as a first step toward better aiding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">wildfire survivors\u003c/a> and shielding utilities from expensive legal settlements that have contributed to rising electric bills. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After months of negotiations that pitted California utilities against insurance companies, supporters heralded the deal as a first step toward better aiding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">wildfire survivors\u003c/a> and shielding utilities from expensive legal settlements that have contributed to rising electric bills. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the leaders of PG&E and the parent company of SoCal Edison said the deal did not go far enough to ease the financial risks they face when their equipment starts a damaging blaze. Under California law, utilities are liable for damage caused by their equipment, regardless of whether they are found to have acted negligently. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But the leaders of PG&E and the parent company of SoCal Edison said the deal did not go far enough to ease the financial risks they face when their equipment starts a damaging blaze. Under California law, utilities are liable for damage caused by their equipment, regardless of whether they are found to have acted negligently. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12084670,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084670\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about his state budget proposal on May 14, 2026, in Sacramento.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jeff Chiu/AP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084670\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about his state budget proposal on May 14, 2026, in Sacramento.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jeff Chiu/AP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Stocks for PG&E and Edison International tumbled after the compromise was announced over the weekend, and Newsom — who had initially pushed for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">shifting more liability away from utilities\u003c/a> — publicly criticized the deal he had struck. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Stocks for PG&E and Edison International tumbled after the compromise was announced over the weekend, and Newsom — who had initially pushed for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">shifting more liability away from utilities\u003c/a> — publicly criticized the deal he had struck. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The reforms in this bill, while important, did not address the underlying structural problems driving this crisis, as the initial market reaction this week demonstrates,” the governor said in a statement Tuesday after the bill’s failure. “Simply put, this measure did not meet the gravity of this moment. The only solution is to return to fix the entire problem, not part of it.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The reforms in this bill, while important, did not address the underlying structural problems driving this crisis, as the initial market reaction this week demonstrates,” the governor said in a statement Tuesday after the bill’s failure. “Simply put, this measure did not meet the gravity of this moment. The only solution is to return to fix the entire problem, not part of it.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Newsom’s office did not respond to a question about whether the governor would call a special session to continue work on the issue this fall. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Newsom’s office did not respond to a question about whether the governor would call a special session to continue work on the issue this fall. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Legislature convened on Tuesday morning, a day after the regular legislative session was scheduled to end, to cast a vote on a few remaining bills.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Legislature convened on Tuesday morning, a day after the regular legislative session was scheduled to end, to cast a vote on a few remaining bills.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12097569"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/PlaskettFireAP2.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But moments before the Assembly ended its session, Speaker Robert Rivas announced that the chamber would not be holding a vote on the wildfire agreement, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But moments before the Assembly ended its session, Speaker Robert Rivas announced that the chamber would not be holding a vote on the wildfire agreement, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We made this decision that we’re going to go back to work this fall,” Rivas said. “We’re not going to stop until we have done everything possible for those who have lost everything.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We made this decision that we’re going to go back to work this fall,” Rivas said. “We’re not going to stop until we have done everything possible for those who have lost everything.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rivas’ announcement marked a surprising twist on a topic central to Newsom’s legacy as governor, as his final term ends in January. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Rivas’ announcement marked a surprising twist on a topic central to Newsom’s legacy as governor, as his final term ends in January. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Weeks after Newsom took office in 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy in the face of tens of billions of dollars in liabilities from the deadly Camp Fire in Northern California. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Weeks after Newsom took office in 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy in the face of tens of billions of dollars in liabilities from the deadly Camp Fire in Northern California. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the years since, wildfire liabilities have shaken the state’s insurance and electricity markets. Home insurers have raised premiums and exited the state completely in the face of massive losses, while utility spending on settlements and wildfire prevention has driven up California’s electricity rates to the second highest in the nation. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In the years since, wildfire liabilities have shaken the state’s insurance and electricity markets. Home insurers have raised premiums and exited the state completely in the face of massive losses, while utility spending on settlements and wildfire prevention has driven up California’s electricity rates to the second highest in the nation. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wildfire liability costs now account for roughly 5% of Californians’ average monthly electricity bill, according to the California Public Utilities Commission, while wildfire mitigation — such as burying power lines and trimming trees — makes up about 15%. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wildfire liability costs now account for roughly 5% of Californians’ average monthly electricity bill, according to the California Public Utilities Commission, while wildfire mitigation — such as burying power lines and trimming trees — makes up about 15%. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Newsom proposed a major shift in wildfire risk from utilities to home insurers. His initial plan would have banned insurance companies from filing lawsuits against utilities, known as subrogation claims, to recover the payments they had made to wildfire victims. It would also have placed limits on claims of noneconomic damages and the amounts that local governments can recoup from utilities for destroyed infrastructure. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Newsom proposed a major shift in wildfire risk from utilities to home insurers. His initial plan would have banned insurance companies from filing lawsuits against utilities, known as subrogation claims, to recover the payments they had made to wildfire victims. It would also have placed limits on claims of noneconomic damages and the amounts that local governments can recoup from utilities for destroyed infrastructure. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12068944,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "After the heavy toll of the Los Angeles fires, California regulators are moving ahead with rules to limit or clear vegetation within five feet of homes, a zone where flammable materials pose a",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2000x1333.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"After the heavy toll of the Los Angeles fires, California regulators are moving ahead with rules to limit or clear vegetation within five feet of homes, a zone where flammable materials pose a\" class=\"wp-image-12068944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2000x1333.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a home during a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Apu Gomes/Getty Images North America)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"After the heavy toll of the Los Angeles fires, California regulators are moving ahead with rules to limit or clear vegetation within five feet of homes, a zone where flammable materials pose a\" class=\"wp-image-12068944\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a home during a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Apu Gomes/Getty Images North America)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But those changes met resistance from a formidable coalition of insurance companies, attorneys and wildfire-victim groups who \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized the governor’s push\u003c/a> as a bailout of the utilities that would discourage the power giants from prioritizing fire safety. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But those changes met resistance from a formidable coalition of insurance companies, attorneys and wildfire-victim groups who \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized the governor’s push\u003c/a> as a bailout of the utilities that would discourage the power giants from prioritizing fire safety. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The deal announced in SB 492 would have restricted insurance companies only from selling their right to file such claims to private-equity firms. The bill would have also established a fast-pay system for fire victims, prevented utility executives from receiving bonuses after a utility-caused fire, authorized the creation of a statewide plan to reduce fire risk and capped the attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The deal announced in SB 492 would have restricted insurance companies only from selling their right to file such claims to private-equity firms. The bill would have also established a fast-pay system for fire victims, prevented utility executives from receiving bonuses after a utility-caused fire, authorized the creation of a statewide plan to reduce fire risk and capped the attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The survivor-advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network took a neutral position on the legislation. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The survivor-advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network took a neutral position on the legislation. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This bill was a balanced and meaningful first step with the understanding that we would continue working on the larger structural issues next year,” said Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, the bill’s author. “I am disappointed we could not deliver these reforms today, but I will not stop working on behalf of wildfire survivors.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“This bill was a balanced and meaningful first step with the understanding that we would continue working on the larger structural issues next year,” said Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, the bill’s author. “I am disappointed we could not deliver these reforms today, but I will not stop working on behalf of wildfire survivors.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 11820077,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in Nov. 2018 in Paradise. The deadline for 70,000 survivors of numerous fires to vote on a multi-billion-dollar settlement deal with PG&E was May 15.",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-1020x680.jpg 1020w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg\" alt=\"A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in Nov. 2018 in Paradise. The deadline for 70,000 survivors of numerous fires to vote on a multi-billion-dollar settlement deal with PG&E was May 15.\" class=\"wp-image-11820077\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-1020x680.jpg 1020w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in November 2018, in Paradise, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg\" alt=\"A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in Nov. 2018 in Paradise. The deadline for 70,000 survivors of numerous fires to vote on a multi-billion-dollar settlement deal with PG&E was May 15.\" class=\"wp-image-11820077\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in November 2018, in Paradise, California. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As Democrats in the Legislature rebuffed Newsom’s proposed changes to limit utilities’ liability, PG&E’s share price dropped from over $18 on Friday to just above $13 on Monday. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As Democrats in the Legislature rebuffed Newsom’s proposed changes to limit utilities’ liability, PG&E’s share price dropped from over $18 on Friday to just above $13 on Monday. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“A large segment of the entities that used to own California utilities — pension funds, kind of boring investors that need safe, reliable investments — were like, ‘We’re out of here, this is too much,’ and they sold their stock, and the stock fell as a result,” said Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“A large segment of the entities that used to own California utilities — pension funds, kind of boring investors that need safe, reliable investments — were like, ‘We’re out of here, this is too much,’ and they sold their stock, and the stock fell as a result,” said Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The people that buy stock in that context are bargain shoppers looking for ways to make a lot of money fast — that’s called a hedge fund,” Wara added. “The thing we should worry about as Californians … is that the shareholders of the companies, the new shareholders, are going to do things to California to try to make a lot of money after they bought the stock cheap yesterday.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The people that buy stock in that context are bargain shoppers looking for ways to make a lot of money fast — that’s called a hedge fund,” Wara added. “The thing we should worry about as Californians … is that the shareholders of the companies, the new shareholders, are going to do things to California to try to make a lot of money after they bought the stock cheap yesterday.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The conversation on where to place liability for destructive wildfires is not over, Wara said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The conversation on where to place liability for destructive wildfires is not over, Wara said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Do we want to solve this problem ahead of time … or do we want to solve it in the context of the next utility bankruptcy?” Wara asked. “That is not a better place to solve this problem, but it may be where we have to solve it because the politics are so hard.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Do we want to solve this problem ahead of time … or do we want to solve it in the context of the next utility bankruptcy?” Wara asked. “That is not a better place to solve this problem, but it may be where we have to solve it because the politics are so hard.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the deal he reached just days ago with legislative leaders, which utilities said did not go far enough to ease their financial risks. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1788306150,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 24,
"wordCount": 1099
},
"headData": {
"title": "Deal on California Wildfire Liability Collapses in Legislature | KQED",
"description": "Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the deal he reached just days ago with legislative leaders, which utilities said did not go far enough to ease their financial risks. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Deal on California Wildfire Liability Collapses in Legislature",
"datePublished": "2026-09-01T16:07:41-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-09-01T16:42:30-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 13,
"slug": "politics",
"name": "Politics"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097752",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12097752/deal-on-california-wildfire-liability-collapses-in-legislature",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097357/newsom-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deal-on-wildfire-fallout\">last-minute legislative deal\u003c/a> to change California’s rules governing the fallout of damaging \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfires\u003c/a> sparked by utility equipment fell apart Tuesday, after the state Assembly ended its regular session without a vote on the plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915096/who-should-pay-when-utilities-companies-start-a-fire\">agreement announced\u003c/a> on Saturday between Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders sought to speed up payments for fire victims, limited compensation for power company executives after utility-caused fires, and prevented insurance companies from selling their right to sue utilities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After months of negotiations that pitted California utilities against insurance companies, supporters heralded the deal as a first step toward better aiding \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">wildfire survivors\u003c/a> and shielding utilities from expensive legal settlements that have contributed to rising electric bills. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the leaders of PG&E and the parent company of SoCal Edison said the deal did not go far enough to ease the financial risks they face when their equipment starts a damaging blaze. Under California law, utilities are liable for damage caused by their equipment, regardless of whether they are found to have acted negligently. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084670\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GavinNewsomAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks about his state budget proposal on May 14, 2026, in Sacramento. (Jeff Chiu/AP)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stocks for PG&E and Edison International tumbled after the compromise was announced over the weekend, and Newsom — who had initially pushed for \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">shifting more liability away from utilities\u003c/a> — publicly criticized the deal he had struck. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The reforms in this bill, while important, did not address the underlying structural problems driving this crisis, as the initial market reaction this week demonstrates,” the governor said in a statement Tuesday after the bill’s failure. “Simply put, this measure did not meet the gravity of this moment. The only solution is to return to fix the entire problem, not part of it.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Newsom’s office did not respond to a question about whether the governor would call a special session to continue work on the issue this fall. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Legislature convened on Tuesday morning, a day after the regular legislative session was scheduled to end, to cast a vote on a few remaining bills.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But moments before the Assembly ended its session, Speaker Robert Rivas announced that the chamber would not be holding a vote on the wildfire agreement, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We made this decision that we’re going to go back to work this fall,” Rivas said. “We’re not going to stop until we have done everything possible for those who have lost everything.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rivas’ announcement marked a surprising twist on a topic central to Newsom’s legacy as governor, as his final term ends in January. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Weeks after Newsom took office in 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy in the face of tens of billions of dollars in liabilities from the deadly Camp Fire in Northern California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the years since, wildfire liabilities have shaken the state’s insurance and electricity markets. Home insurers have raised premiums and exited the state completely in the face of massive losses, while utility spending on settlements and wildfire prevention has driven up California’s electricity rates to the second highest in the nation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wildfire liability costs now account for roughly 5% of Californians’ average monthly electricity bill, according to the California Public Utilities Commission, while wildfire mitigation — such as burying power lines and trimming trees — makes up about 15%. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Newsom proposed a major shift in wildfire risk from utilities to home insurers. His initial plan would have banned insurance companies from filing lawsuits against utilities, known as subrogation claims, to recover the payments they had made to wildfire victims. It would also have placed limits on claims of noneconomic damages and the amounts that local governments can recoup from utilities for destroyed infrastructure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"After the heavy toll of the Los Angeles fires, California regulators are moving ahead with rules to limit or clear vegetation within five feet of homes, a zone where flammable materials pose a\" class=\"wp-image-12068944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2000x1333.jpeg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-160x107.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/gettyimages-2192342554-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a home during a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images North America)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But those changes met resistance from a formidable coalition of insurance companies, attorneys and wildfire-victim groups who \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized the governor’s push\u003c/a> as a bailout of the utilities that would discourage the power giants from prioritizing fire safety. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The deal announced in SB 492 would have restricted insurance companies only from selling their right to file such claims to private-equity firms. The bill would have also established a fast-pay system for fire victims, prevented utility executives from receiving bonuses after a utility-caused fire, authorized the creation of a statewide plan to reduce fire risk and capped the attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The survivor-advocacy group Every Fire Survivor’s Network took a neutral position on the legislation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This bill was a balanced and meaningful first step with the understanding that we would continue working on the larger structural issues next year,” said Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, the bill’s author. “I am disappointed we could not deliver these reforms today, but I will not stop working on behalf of wildfire survivors.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg\" alt=\"A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in Nov. 2018 in Paradise. The deadline for 70,000 survivors of numerous fires to vote on a multi-billion-dollar settlement deal with PG&E was May 15.\" class=\"wp-image-11820077\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/05/Camp-Fire-Aftermath-1020x680.jpg 1020w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A man looks over his burned home, destroyed by the Camp Fire in November 2018, in Paradise, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As Democrats in the Legislature rebuffed Newsom’s proposed changes to limit utilities’ liability, PG&E’s share price dropped from over $18 on Friday to just above $13 on Monday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“A large segment of the entities that used to own California utilities — pension funds, kind of boring investors that need safe, reliable investments — were like, ‘We’re out of here, this is too much,’ and they sold their stock, and the stock fell as a result,” said Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The people that buy stock in that context are bargain shoppers looking for ways to make a lot of money fast — that’s called a hedge fund,” Wara added. “The thing we should worry about as Californians … is that the shareholders of the companies, the new shareholders, are going to do things to California to try to make a lot of money after they bought the stock cheap yesterday.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The conversation on where to place liability for destructive wildfires is not over, Wara said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Do we want to solve this problem ahead of time … or do we want to solve it in the context of the next utility bankruptcy?” Wara asked. “That is not a better place to solve this problem, but it may be where we have to solve it because the politics are so hard.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097752/deal-on-california-wildfire-liability-collapses-in-legislature",
"authors": [
"227"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_8",
"news_13"
],
"tags": [
"news_18538",
"news_2704",
"news_27626",
"news_34377",
"news_16",
"news_17968",
"news_4463"
],
"featImg": "news_12093941",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12097569": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097569",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097569",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1788208589000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "big-sur-fires-cost-around-80-million-so-far-could-burn-until-october-rains",
"title": "Big Sur Fires Cost Around $80 Million So Far, Could Burn Until October Rains",
"publishDate": 1788208589,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Big Sur Fires Cost Around $80 Million So Far, Could Burn Until October Rains | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>As firefighters continue to battle the two major blazes in the Big Sur area, the U.S. Forest Service estimates that the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097303/crews-struggle-to-contain-big-sur-fires-with-el-nino-on-the-horizon\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> have cost $80 million so far and could burn until October.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097092/timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026\">Plaskett Fire\u003c/a> near Big Sur almost doubled in size over the weekend, burning 15,479 acres with just 1% containment. The fire triggered new evacuation orders on Sunday, in both \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/\">Monterey\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/slocountyoes\">San Luis Obispo \u003c/a>counties, and has ignited land that has not burned since the 1970s, said Lee Beyer, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The nearly 25,000-acre \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber Fire\u003c/a>, now in its fourth week, slowed overnight thanks to a change in weather, which draped a thick marine layer over Highway 1, said Josh Silveira, a Cal Fire spokesperson.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It remains the third-largest wildfire in California this year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/55484414192_e9eb07140e_o-scaled-e1787935469462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097295\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. Forest Service biologists survey the Timber Fire area on Aug. 24, 2026. (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, the Forest Service estimated that fighting the blazes has racked up $80 million in firefighting costs so far, due to the use of “expensive” aircraft. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Given the remote and difficult terrain and the high value of the communities at risk along the Big Sur coast, we have used a lot of aircraft,” Beyer wrote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Silveira warned the weather may get warmer and drier midweek, which could “potentially put the fire into conditions where it’s going to grow a little more steadily.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fires in Big Sur can burn into October, Beyer said, when early winter rain can fully extinguish the most remote flames. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Silveira said fires in this part of the Ventana Wilderness — the rugged, mountainous area just inland from Big Sur — typically last longer \u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>because they are so remote, so difficult to access.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s some hiking trails that lead back into the backcountry, but there’s no real vehicle access,” Silveira said. “So that steep, really rugged, inaccessible terrain is a historic challenge that we’ve had on all the fires in this area. And that’s one of the reasons that we love the Big Sur coast because it is that untamed natural beauty. On the back end of it, though, it just makes things difficult when we do get fires.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Road closures remain in effect on U.S. Highway 1 between Little Sur River and Salmon Creek. Smoke from the fires is expected to impact air quality in the Bay Area on Monday and Tuesday, the air district said Monday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Silveira added that “monsoonal moisture,” or the humid, rainy weather on Monday, combined with southerly winds, will push the smoke towards the Bay Area. Though the smoke will stay relatively high in the sky, “residents in the Bay should be aware that there is going to be smoke from both of these fires in the area.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Firefighters from across the state, including engine strike teams from Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Alameda counties — and from across the country — have helped manage the flames, he added. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094843\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A firefighter battles with flames as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Two firefighters have been injured so far, and no civilians have been injured, Silveira said. Cal Fire has not yet identified the cause of the fire, citing dangerous conditions for investigators.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The community does an amazing job with home hardening and preparedness because they’ve lived through fires in this area,” Silveira said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Evacuation \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/incident-archive/2026-timber-fire\">shelters\u003c/a> remain open at Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room in Carmel and the Veteran’s Building in Cambria. Monterey County’s SPCA is providing emergency rescue and sheltering for animals impacted. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As firefighters continue to battle the two major blazes in the Big Sur area, the U.S. Forest Service estimates that the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097303/crews-struggle-to-contain-big-sur-fires-with-el-nino-on-the-horizon\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> have cost $80 million so far and could burn until October.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As firefighters continue to battle the two major blazes in the Big Sur area, the U.S. Forest Service estimates that the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097303/crews-struggle-to-contain-big-sur-fires-with-el-nino-on-the-horizon\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> have cost $80 million so far and could burn until October.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097092/timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026\">Plaskett Fire\u003c/a> near Big Sur almost doubled in size over the weekend, burning 15,479 acres with just 1% containment. The fire triggered new evacuation orders on Sunday, in both \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/\">Monterey\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/slocountyoes\">San Luis Obispo \u003c/a>counties, and has ignited land that has not burned since the 1970s, said Lee Beyer, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097092/timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026\">Plaskett Fire\u003c/a> near Big Sur almost doubled in size over the weekend, burning 15,479 acres with just 1% containment. The fire triggered new evacuation orders on Sunday, in both \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/\">Monterey\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/slocountyoes\">San Luis Obispo \u003c/a>counties, and has ignited land that has not burned since the 1970s, said Lee Beyer, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The nearly 25,000-acre \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber Fire\u003c/a>, now in its fourth week, slowed overnight thanks to a change in weather, which draped a thick marine layer over Highway 1, said Josh Silveira, a Cal Fire spokesperson.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The nearly 25,000-acre \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber Fire\u003c/a>, now in its fourth week, slowed overnight thanks to a change in weather, which draped a thick marine layer over Highway 1, said Josh Silveira, a Cal Fire spokesperson.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It remains the third-largest wildfire in California this year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It remains the third-largest wildfire in California this year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12097295,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/55484414192_e9eb07140e_o-scaled-e1787935469462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097295\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. Forest Service biologists survey the Timber Fire area on Aug. 24, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/55484414192_e9eb07140e_o-scaled-e1787935469462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097295\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. Forest Service biologists survey the Timber Fire area on Aug. 24, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, the Forest Service estimated that fighting the blazes has racked up $80 million in firefighting costs so far, due to the use of “expensive” aircraft. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, the Forest Service estimated that fighting the blazes has racked up $80 million in firefighting costs so far, due to the use of “expensive” aircraft. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Given the remote and difficult terrain and the high value of the communities at risk along the Big Sur coast, we have used a lot of aircraft,” Beyer wrote.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Given the remote and difficult terrain and the high value of the communities at risk along the Big Sur coast, we have used a lot of aircraft,” Beyer wrote.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Silveira warned the weather may get warmer and drier midweek, which could “potentially put the fire into conditions where it’s going to grow a little more steadily.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Silveira warned the weather may get warmer and drier midweek, which could “potentially put the fire into conditions where it’s going to grow a little more steadily.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fires in Big Sur can burn into October, Beyer said, when early winter rain can fully extinguish the most remote flames. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Fires in Big Sur can burn into October, Beyer said, when early winter rain can fully extinguish the most remote flames. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12097357"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/251103-NewsomProp50Rally-44-BL.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Silveira said fires in this part of the Ventana Wilderness — the rugged, mountainous area just inland from Big Sur — typically last longer \u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>because they are so remote, so difficult to access.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Silveira said fires in this part of the Ventana Wilderness — the rugged, mountainous area just inland from Big Sur — typically last longer \u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>because they are so remote, so difficult to access.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s some hiking trails that lead back into the backcountry, but there’s no real vehicle access,” Silveira said. “So that steep, really rugged, inaccessible terrain is a historic challenge that we’ve had on all the fires in this area. And that’s one of the reasons that we love the Big Sur coast because it is that untamed natural beauty. On the back end of it, though, it just makes things difficult when we do get fires.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“There’s some hiking trails that lead back into the backcountry, but there’s no real vehicle access,” Silveira said. “So that steep, really rugged, inaccessible terrain is a historic challenge that we’ve had on all the fires in this area. And that’s one of the reasons that we love the Big Sur coast because it is that untamed natural beauty. On the back end of it, though, it just makes things difficult when we do get fires.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Road closures remain in effect on U.S. Highway 1 between Little Sur River and Salmon Creek. Smoke from the fires is expected to impact air quality in the Bay Area on Monday and Tuesday, the air district said Monday. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Road closures remain in effect on U.S. Highway 1 between Little Sur River and Salmon Creek. Smoke from the fires is expected to impact air quality in the Bay Area on Monday and Tuesday, the air district said Monday. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Silveira added that “monsoonal moisture,” or the humid, rainy weather on Monday, combined with southerly winds, will push the smoke towards the Bay Area. Though the smoke will stay relatively high in the sky, “residents in the Bay should be aware that there is going to be smoke from both of these fires in the area.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Silveira added that “monsoonal moisture,” or the humid, rainy weather on Monday, combined with southerly winds, will push the smoke towards the Bay Area. Though the smoke will stay relatively high in the sky, “residents in the Bay should be aware that there is going to be smoke from both of these fires in the area.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Firefighters from across the state, including engine strike teams from Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Alameda counties — and from across the country — have helped manage the flames, he added. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Firefighters from across the state, including engine strike teams from Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Alameda counties — and from across the country — have helped manage the flames, he added. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12094843,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094843\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A firefighter battles with flames as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, Aug. 10, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094843\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A firefighter battles with flames as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, Aug. 10, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Two firefighters have been injured so far, and no civilians have been injured, Silveira said. Cal Fire has not yet identified the cause of the fire, citing dangerous conditions for investigators.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Two firefighters have been injured so far, and no civilians have been injured, Silveira said. Cal Fire has not yet identified the cause of the fire, citing dangerous conditions for investigators.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The community does an amazing job with home hardening and preparedness because they’ve lived through fires in this area,” Silveira said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The community does an amazing job with home hardening and preparedness because they’ve lived through fires in this area,” Silveira said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Evacuation \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/incident-archive/2026-timber-fire\">shelters\u003c/a> remain open at Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room in Carmel and the Veteran’s Building in Cambria. Monterey County’s SPCA is providing emergency rescue and sheltering for animals impacted. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Evacuation \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/incident-archive/2026-timber-fire\">shelters\u003c/a> remain open at Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room in Carmel and the Veteran’s Building in Cambria. Monterey County’s SPCA is providing emergency rescue and sheltering for animals impacted. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "The Plaskett and Timber fires raging in the Monterey County wilderness have burned more than 40,000 acres — and show no sign of stopping.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1788214968,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 17,
"wordCount": 633
},
"headData": {
"title": "Big Sur Fires Cost Around $80 Million So Far, Could Burn Until October Rains | KQED",
"description": "The Plaskett and Timber fires raging in the Monterey County wilderness have burned more than 40,000 acres — and show no sign of stopping.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Big Sur Fires Cost Around $80 Million So Far, Could Burn Until October Rains",
"datePublished": "2026-08-31T13:36:29-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-31T15:22:48-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 31795,
"slug": "california",
"name": "California"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097569",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12097569/big-sur-fires-cost-around-80-million-so-far-could-burn-until-october-rains",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>As firefighters continue to battle the two major blazes in the Big Sur area, the U.S. Forest Service estimates that the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097303/crews-struggle-to-contain-big-sur-fires-with-el-nino-on-the-horizon\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> have cost $80 million so far and could burn until October.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097092/timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026\">Plaskett Fire\u003c/a> near Big Sur almost doubled in size over the weekend, burning 15,479 acres with just 1% containment. The fire triggered new evacuation orders on Sunday, in both \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice/\">Monterey\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/slocountyoes\">San Luis Obispo \u003c/a>counties, and has ignited land that has not burned since the 1970s, said Lee Beyer, a U.S. Forest Service spokesperson. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The nearly 25,000-acre \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber Fire\u003c/a>, now in its fourth week, slowed overnight thanks to a change in weather, which draped a thick marine layer over Highway 1, said Josh Silveira, a Cal Fire spokesperson.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It remains the third-largest wildfire in California this year, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/55484414192_e9eb07140e_o-scaled-e1787935469462.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097295\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. Forest Service biologists survey the Timber Fire area on Aug. 24, 2026. (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an email to KQED, the Forest Service estimated that fighting the blazes has racked up $80 million in firefighting costs so far, due to the use of “expensive” aircraft. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Given the remote and difficult terrain and the high value of the communities at risk along the Big Sur coast, we have used a lot of aircraft,” Beyer wrote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Silveira warned the weather may get warmer and drier midweek, which could “potentially put the fire into conditions where it’s going to grow a little more steadily.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fires in Big Sur can burn into October, Beyer said, when early winter rain can fully extinguish the most remote flames. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Silveira said fires in this part of the Ventana Wilderness — the rugged, mountainous area just inland from Big Sur — typically last longer \u003cstrong>“\u003c/strong>because they are so remote, so difficult to access.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s some hiking trails that lead back into the backcountry, but there’s no real vehicle access,” Silveira said. “So that steep, really rugged, inaccessible terrain is a historic challenge that we’ve had on all the fires in this area. And that’s one of the reasons that we love the Big Sur coast because it is that untamed natural beauty. On the back end of it, though, it just makes things difficult when we do get fires.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Road closures remain in effect on U.S. Highway 1 between Little Sur River and Salmon Creek. Smoke from the fires is expected to impact air quality in the Bay Area on Monday and Tuesday, the air district said Monday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Silveira added that “monsoonal moisture,” or the humid, rainy weather on Monday, combined with southerly winds, will push the smoke towards the Bay Area. Though the smoke will stay relatively high in the sky, “residents in the Bay should be aware that there is going to be smoke from both of these fires in the area.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Firefighters from across the state, including engine strike teams from Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Alameda counties — and from across the country — have helped manage the flames, he added. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094843\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/TimberFireGetty6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A firefighter battles with flames as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Two firefighters have been injured so far, and no civilians have been injured, Silveira said. Cal Fire has not yet identified the cause of the fire, citing dangerous conditions for investigators.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The community does an amazing job with home hardening and preparedness because they’ve lived through fires in this area,” Silveira said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Evacuation \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/incident-archive/2026-timber-fire\">shelters\u003c/a> remain open at Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room in Carmel and the Veteran’s Building in Cambria. Monterey County’s SPCA is providing emergency rescue and sheltering for animals impacted. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/calam\">\u003cem>Christopher Alam\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097569/big-sur-fires-cost-around-80-million-so-far-could-burn-until-october-rains",
"authors": [
"12003"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_28250",
"news_8",
"news_356"
],
"tags": [
"news_5369",
"news_18538",
"news_34076",
"news_19204",
"news_27626",
"news_28199",
"news_4084",
"news_3187",
"news_37320",
"news_4463"
],
"featImg": "news_12097306",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12097357": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097357",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097357",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1788023868000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "newsom-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deal-on-wildfire-fallout",
"title": "Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Last-Minute Deal on Wildfire Fallout",
"publishDate": 1788023868,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Last-Minute Deal on Wildfire Fallout | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>Seeking to lower California’s soaring electricity rates and improve payouts to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> survivors, Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders late Friday reached an eleventh-hour deal on changes to rules around wildfire liability.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the heart of the deal is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">the question of who pays\u003c/a> when utility-owned equipment sparks a damaging wildfire — costs that have ballooned into the tens of billions of dollars in recent fire disasters. The plan, which comes after months of largely closed-door negotiations, seeks to protect ratepayers by stopping hedge funds from extracting massive payouts from utilities in the wake of wildfires, while also restricting utility executives from receiving bonuses when their equipment causes a fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation for victims and survivors of wildfires that we’ve ever done,” state Sen. Josh Becker, D–Menlo Park, told KQED on Saturday. “Getting them paid fairly and quickly, limiting the role of Wall Street in profiting off of these fires [and] holding utilities accountable.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The legislation authored by Becker, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>, would also create a program to speed up the payment of claims for wildfire survivors. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the agreement fell short of Newsom’s original aim: to prevent insurance companies from suing utilities to recover the damages that insurers pay out to fire victims. That process, known as subrogation, has helped drive up the cost of electricity bills by adding massive liability costs to power companies. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The charred remains of two cars after a fire passed by the area.\" class=\"wp-image-11882560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Power lines lay on the smoldering remains of vehicles during the Dixie Fire in an unincorporated area of Plumas County on July 25, 2021. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, lawmakers are hoping to restrict insurance companies from selling their right to sue to private equity firms, which under the current system can purchase claims at a discount and drive up payout costs through pricey litigation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is all real progress for future fire survivors,” Newsom said in a statement on Saturday. “Nonetheless, this system needs full structural reform — not a partial one.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The agreement will require a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate as soon as Tuesday under an urgency clause that allows it to be voted on after Monday night’s scheduled close of California’s legislative session. For Newsom, it will bookend a tenure as governor that began in crisis in the wake of the deadliest, most destructive wildfire in the state’s modern history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California law holds power companies, such as PG&E and Southern California Edison, responsible for the damage caused by their equipment — even without any finding of negligence, unlike other states. Liability from the 2018 Camp Fire pushed PG&E \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11879943/a-year-after-pge-left-bankruptcy-spending-by-fire-victim-trust-remains-a-mystery\">to declare bankruptcy\u003c/a> the following January, just weeks after Newsom took office. Damages from the 2025 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076246/the-eaton-fire-ravaged-black-altadena-a-journalist-documents-its-resilience\">Eaton Fire in Altadena\u003c/a>, which was started by a SoCal Edison transmission line, could reach $45 billion. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the last decade, investor-owned utilities have spent billions to both shoulder wildfire liability and protect power lines from sparking future blazes. That spending has been passed along to California’s utility customers, who pay the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081882/san-francisco-has-been-trying-to-leave-pge-for-100-years-will-this-time-be-different\">second-highest electricity rates\u003c/a> in the nation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wildfire-related charges now add roughly $41 a month to the average PG&E bill and $27 a month for SoCal Edison customers, according to a state \u003ca href=\"https://www.cawildfirefund.com/sb-254-natural-catastrophe-resilience-study\">report released\u003c/a> this spring that served as a jumping-off point for the utility negotiations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, the spending by power companies will not completely eliminate the risk of utility-sparked wildfires, said Meredith Fowlie, faculty director at UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute at Haas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That means there’s fire risk for people living in high-risk areas, close to power system infrastructure that they are not seeing in their insurance premiums,” Fowlie said. “We’re seeing them on our electricity bills.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While many California power customers, especially those in hotter inland areas, have few options in the face of escalating rates, Fowlie said homeowners can receive insurance discounts if they fire-proof their homes and \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/19/nx-s1-5937926/california-wildfire-rules-zone-zero-vegetation\">increase the defensible space\u003c/a> around their property. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Shifting more of the risk onto homeowners and property owners in higher-risk areas does dial up the financial incentives to do more mitigation to reduce premiums via discounts,” she added. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Several homes and mobile homes sit on a hillsides where grasses have been removed.\" class=\"wp-image-11955391\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A home in Nevada County that has created defensible space to help protect against damage due to wildfires on June 26, 2023. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But California’s insurance industry is in the midst of its own interwoven crisis. Wildfire losses have led many insurers to either stop renewing policies or leave the state — pushing residents in fire-prone areas onto \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094860/california-fair-plan-announces-29-1-rate-hike-for-homeowners-this-fall\">the FAIR Plan\u003c/a>, the state’s insurer of last resort. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Newsom’s original plan, meanwhile, was also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized by wildfire survivor groups\u003c/a> and trial attorneys — the latter group holding particular influence among Democrats in the Legislature who were wary of signing on to a deal that could be perceived as a utility bailout. Wildfire survivor groups took aim at elements of Newsom’s original proposal that would have limited some claims of noneconomic damages.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Survivors from across California came to Sacramento and asked our elected representatives to stand with the people whose homes, communities and lives have been devastated,” Joy Chen, executive director of Every Fire Survivor’s Network, said in a statement on Saturday. “They listened. And in the face of extraordinary pressure from some of the most powerful interests in our state, they centered survivors and California families.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The deal Newsom reached with legislative leaders will prevent law firms from making unsolicited communications to survivors for 30 days after the disaster and cap attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The opponents [were] quite a strange grouping of bedfellows,” said Dave Jones, a former California insurance commissioner and director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jones said that if utilities remain forced to shoulder the financial liabilities for wildfires, they will be incentivized to invest in grid safety and vegetation management. Shifting more of the burden to insurers, he said, will put more stress on fire survivors, local taxpayers and insurance policyholders. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Legislative rules prevent changes from being made to bills for 72 hours before a final vote. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sen. Roger Niello, R–Fair Oaks, the Republican leader-elect, questioned whether three days was enough time for lawmakers to digest complex changes to wildfire rules. For the second consecutive year, lawmakers will be voting on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055461/california-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deals-on-climate-energy\">consequential energy legislation\u003c/a> in the waning moments of the session.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’ve raised concerns before about major policy being pushed through at the last minute without public input,” Niello said in a statement. “I am committed to working with the next administration to craft financially sound solutions and double down on wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why did Newsom choose to close the final legislative session of his career with a complicated battle involving utilities, insurance companies and trial attorneys — all political heavyweights at the Capitol?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just weeks after Newsom took office in early 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy. The utility giant was facing tens of billions of dollars in wildfire liabilities after its equipment sparked the Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and left 85 people dead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The company lacked sufficient cash, held inadequate wildfire insurance and ultimately suffered a credit crisis. As the extent of its liabilities became clear, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11716710/ratings-service-slashes-pge-credit-to-junk-status\">credit rating agencies downgraded PG&E\u003c/a> so that the value of its debt became almost worthless. It couldn’t get access to lines of short-term credit, so it couldn’t function day to day. It declared bankruptcy to halt the active lawsuits, pause servicing its debt and regroup. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He had a baptism by fire, so to speak, when he was elected right before the massive and deadly fires in Northern California,” said Becker, a longtime Newsom ally. “I think he feels a real obligation and responsibility to leave the state better than when he found it.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, Newsom and the Legislature designated $21 billion — half from utility shareholders, half from ratepayers — for a fund to compensate victims of fires sparked by utility equipment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It was designed as a long-term safety net, but the massive claims stemming from the Los Angeles fires in early 2025 threatened to drain the fund entirely. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Legislature replenished it with an additional $18 billion last summer, but another catastrophic fire could again threaten the solvency of the fund, providing the governor practical motivations for pursuing this deal. While the legislative session will end on Monday, Newsom’s final term runs through the fall months that constitute the heart of California’s modern wildfire season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That means another disaster could leave Newsom with a utility hurtling toward bankruptcy just as he leaves office — and prepares for an expected run for president.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He’s concerned about, ‘Hey, one big fire could take that [fund] out,’” Becker said. “Then what happens?” \u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Seeking to lower California’s soaring electricity rates and improve payouts to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> survivors, Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders late Friday reached an eleventh-hour deal on changes to rules around wildfire liability.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Seeking to lower California’s soaring electricity rates and improve payouts to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> survivors, Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders late Friday reached an eleventh-hour deal on changes to rules around wildfire liability.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At the heart of the deal is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">the question of who pays\u003c/a> when utility-owned equipment sparks a damaging wildfire — costs that have ballooned into the tens of billions of dollars in recent fire disasters. The plan, which comes after months of largely closed-door negotiations, seeks to protect ratepayers by stopping hedge funds from extracting massive payouts from utilities in the wake of wildfires, while also restricting utility executives from receiving bonuses when their equipment causes a fire.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At the heart of the deal is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">the question of who pays\u003c/a> when utility-owned equipment sparks a damaging wildfire — costs that have ballooned into the tens of billions of dollars in recent fire disasters. The plan, which comes after months of largely closed-door negotiations, seeks to protect ratepayers by stopping hedge funds from extracting massive payouts from utilities in the wake of wildfires, while also restricting utility executives from receiving bonuses when their equipment causes a fire.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation for victims and survivors of wildfires that we’ve ever done,” state Sen. Josh Becker, D–Menlo Park, told KQED on Saturday. “Getting them paid fairly and quickly, limiting the role of Wall Street in profiting off of these fires [and] holding utilities accountable.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“This is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation for victims and survivors of wildfires that we’ve ever done,” state Sen. Josh Becker, D–Menlo Park, told KQED on Saturday. “Getting them paid fairly and quickly, limiting the role of Wall Street in profiting off of these fires [and] holding utilities accountable.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The legislation authored by Becker, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>, would also create a program to speed up the payment of claims for wildfire survivors. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The legislation authored by Becker, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>, would also create a program to speed up the payment of claims for wildfire survivors. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the agreement fell short of Newsom’s original aim: to prevent insurance companies from suing utilities to recover the damages that insurers pay out to fire victims. That process, known as subrogation, has helped drive up the cost of electricity bills by adding massive liability costs to power companies. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But the agreement fell short of Newsom’s original aim: to prevent insurance companies from suing utilities to recover the damages that insurers pay out to fire victims. That process, known as subrogation, has helped drive up the cost of electricity bills by adding massive liability costs to power companies. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 11882560,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "The charred remains of two cars after a fire passed by the area.",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1920x1280.jpg 1920w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The charred remains of two cars after a fire passed by the area.\" class=\"wp-image-11882560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Power lines lay on the smoldering remains of vehicles during the Dixie Fire in an unincorporated area of Plumas County on July 25, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The charred remains of two cars after a fire passed by the area.\" class=\"wp-image-11882560\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Power lines lay on the smoldering remains of vehicles during the Dixie Fire in an unincorporated area of Plumas County on July 25, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead, lawmakers are hoping to restrict insurance companies from selling their right to sue to private equity firms, which under the current system can purchase claims at a discount and drive up payout costs through pricey litigation. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Instead, lawmakers are hoping to restrict insurance companies from selling their right to sue to private equity firms, which under the current system can purchase claims at a discount and drive up payout costs through pricey litigation. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is all real progress for future fire survivors,” Newsom said in a statement on Saturday. “Nonetheless, this system needs full structural reform — not a partial one.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“This is all real progress for future fire survivors,” Newsom said in a statement on Saturday. “Nonetheless, this system needs full structural reform — not a partial one.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The agreement will require a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate as soon as Tuesday under an urgency clause that allows it to be voted on after Monday night’s scheduled close of California’s legislative session. For Newsom, it will bookend a tenure as governor that began in crisis in the wake of the deadliest, most destructive wildfire in the state’s modern history. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The agreement will require a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate as soon as Tuesday under an urgency clause that allows it to be voted on after Monday night’s scheduled close of California’s legislative session. For Newsom, it will bookend a tenure as governor that began in crisis in the wake of the deadliest, most destructive wildfire in the state’s modern history. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California law holds power companies, such as PG&E and Southern California Edison, responsible for the damage caused by their equipment — even without any finding of negligence, unlike other states. Liability from the 2018 Camp Fire pushed PG&E \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11879943/a-year-after-pge-left-bankruptcy-spending-by-fire-victim-trust-remains-a-mystery\">to declare bankruptcy\u003c/a> the following January, just weeks after Newsom took office. Damages from the 2025 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076246/the-eaton-fire-ravaged-black-altadena-a-journalist-documents-its-resilience\">Eaton Fire in Altadena\u003c/a>, which was started by a SoCal Edison transmission line, could reach $45 billion. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>California law holds power companies, such as PG&E and Southern California Edison, responsible for the damage caused by their equipment — even without any finding of negligence, unlike other states. Liability from the 2018 Camp Fire pushed PG&E \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11879943/a-year-after-pge-left-bankruptcy-spending-by-fire-victim-trust-remains-a-mystery\">to declare bankruptcy\u003c/a> the following January, just weeks after Newsom took office. Damages from the 2025 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076246/the-eaton-fire-ravaged-black-altadena-a-journalist-documents-its-resilience\">Eaton Fire in Altadena\u003c/a>, which was started by a SoCal Edison transmission line, could reach $45 billion. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the last decade, investor-owned utilities have spent billions to both shoulder wildfire liability and protect power lines from sparking future blazes. That spending has been passed along to California’s utility customers, who pay the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081882/san-francisco-has-been-trying-to-leave-pge-for-100-years-will-this-time-be-different\">second-highest electricity rates\u003c/a> in the nation. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In the last decade, investor-owned utilities have spent billions to both shoulder wildfire liability and protect power lines from sparking future blazes. That spending has been passed along to California’s utility customers, who pay the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081882/san-francisco-has-been-trying-to-leave-pge-for-100-years-will-this-time-be-different\">second-highest electricity rates\u003c/a> in the nation. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wildfire-related charges now add roughly $41 a month to the average PG&E bill and $27 a month for SoCal Edison customers, according to a state \u003ca href=\"https://www.cawildfirefund.com/sb-254-natural-catastrophe-resilience-study\">report released\u003c/a> this spring that served as a jumping-off point for the utility negotiations.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wildfire-related charges now add roughly $41 a month to the average PG&E bill and $27 a month for SoCal Edison customers, according to a state \u003ca href=\"https://www.cawildfirefund.com/sb-254-natural-catastrophe-resilience-study\">report released\u003c/a> this spring that served as a jumping-off point for the utility negotiations.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Still, the spending by power companies will not completely eliminate the risk of utility-sparked wildfires, said Meredith Fowlie, faculty director at UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute at Haas. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Still, the spending by power companies will not completely eliminate the risk of utility-sparked wildfires, said Meredith Fowlie, faculty director at UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute at Haas. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That means there’s fire risk for people living in high-risk areas, close to power system infrastructure that they are not seeing in their insurance premiums,” Fowlie said. “We’re seeing them on our electricity bills.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“That means there’s fire risk for people living in high-risk areas, close to power system infrastructure that they are not seeing in their insurance premiums,” Fowlie said. “We’re seeing them on our electricity bills.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While many California power customers, especially those in hotter inland areas, have few options in the face of escalating rates, Fowlie said homeowners can receive insurance discounts if they fire-proof their homes and \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/19/nx-s1-5937926/california-wildfire-rules-zone-zero-vegetation\">increase the defensible space\u003c/a> around their property. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>While many California power customers, especially those in hotter inland areas, have few options in the face of escalating rates, Fowlie said homeowners can receive insurance discounts if they fire-proof their homes and \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/19/nx-s1-5937926/california-wildfire-rules-zone-zero-vegetation\">increase the defensible space\u003c/a> around their property. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Shifting more of the risk onto homeowners and property owners in higher-risk areas does dial up the financial incentives to do more mitigation to reduce premiums via discounts,” she added. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Shifting more of the risk onto homeowners and property owners in higher-risk areas does dial up the financial incentives to do more mitigation to reduce premiums via discounts,” she added. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 11955391,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "Several homes and mobile homes sit on a hillsides where grasses have been removed.",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Several homes and mobile homes sit on a hillsides where grasses have been removed.\" class=\"wp-image-11955391\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A home in Nevada County that has created defensible space to help protect against damage due to wildfires on June 26, 2023.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Several homes and mobile homes sit on a hillsides where grasses have been removed.\" class=\"wp-image-11955391\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A home in Nevada County that has created defensible space to help protect against damage due to wildfires on June 26, 2023.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But California’s insurance industry is in the midst of its own interwoven crisis. Wildfire losses have led many insurers to either stop renewing policies or leave the state — pushing residents in fire-prone areas onto \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094860/california-fair-plan-announces-29-1-rate-hike-for-homeowners-this-fall\">the FAIR Plan\u003c/a>, the state’s insurer of last resort. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But California’s insurance industry is in the midst of its own interwoven crisis. Wildfire losses have led many insurers to either stop renewing policies or leave the state — pushing residents in fire-prone areas onto \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094860/california-fair-plan-announces-29-1-rate-hike-for-homeowners-this-fall\">the FAIR Plan\u003c/a>, the state’s insurer of last resort. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Newsom’s original plan, meanwhile, was also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized by wildfire survivor groups\u003c/a> and trial attorneys — the latter group holding particular influence among Democrats in the Legislature who were wary of signing on to a deal that could be perceived as a utility bailout. Wildfire survivor groups took aim at elements of Newsom’s original proposal that would have limited some claims of noneconomic damages.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Newsom’s original plan, meanwhile, was also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized by wildfire survivor groups\u003c/a> and trial attorneys — the latter group holding particular influence among Democrats in the Legislature who were wary of signing on to a deal that could be perceived as a utility bailout. Wildfire survivor groups took aim at elements of Newsom’s original proposal that would have limited some claims of noneconomic damages.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Survivors from across California came to Sacramento and asked our elected representatives to stand with the people whose homes, communities and lives have been devastated,” Joy Chen, executive director of Every Fire Survivor’s Network, said in a statement on Saturday. “They listened. And in the face of extraordinary pressure from some of the most powerful interests in our state, they centered survivors and California families.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Survivors from across California came to Sacramento and asked our elected representatives to stand with the people whose homes, communities and lives have been devastated,” Joy Chen, executive director of Every Fire Survivor’s Network, said in a statement on Saturday. “They listened. And in the face of extraordinary pressure from some of the most powerful interests in our state, they centered survivors and California families.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The deal Newsom reached with legislative leaders will prevent law firms from making unsolicited communications to survivors for 30 days after the disaster and cap attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The deal Newsom reached with legislative leaders will prevent law firms from making unsolicited communications to survivors for 30 days after the disaster and cap attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The opponents [were] quite a strange grouping of bedfellows,” said Dave Jones, a former California insurance commissioner and director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The opponents [were] quite a strange grouping of bedfellows,” said Dave Jones, a former California insurance commissioner and director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jones said that if utilities remain forced to shoulder the financial liabilities for wildfires, they will be incentivized to invest in grid safety and vegetation management. Shifting more of the burden to insurers, he said, will put more stress on fire survivors, local taxpayers and insurance policyholders. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Jones said that if utilities remain forced to shoulder the financial liabilities for wildfires, they will be incentivized to invest in grid safety and vegetation management. Shifting more of the burden to insurers, he said, will put more stress on fire survivors, local taxpayers and insurance policyholders. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Legislative rules prevent changes from being made to bills for 72 hours before a final vote. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Legislative rules prevent changes from being made to bills for 72 hours before a final vote. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Sen. Roger Niello, R–Fair Oaks, the Republican leader-elect, questioned whether three days was enough time for lawmakers to digest complex changes to wildfire rules. For the second consecutive year, lawmakers will be voting on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055461/california-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deals-on-climate-energy\">consequential energy legislation\u003c/a> in the waning moments of the session.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Sen. Roger Niello, R–Fair Oaks, the Republican leader-elect, questioned whether three days was enough time for lawmakers to digest complex changes to wildfire rules. For the second consecutive year, lawmakers will be voting on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055461/california-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deals-on-climate-energy\">consequential energy legislation\u003c/a> in the waning moments of the session.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’ve raised concerns before about major policy being pushed through at the last minute without public input,” Niello said in a statement. “I am committed to working with the next administration to craft financially sound solutions and double down on wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I’ve raised concerns before about major policy being pushed through at the last minute without public input,” Niello said in a statement. “I am committed to working with the next administration to craft financially sound solutions and double down on wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Why did Newsom choose to close the final legislative session of his career with a complicated battle involving utilities, insurance companies and trial attorneys — all political heavyweights at the Capitol?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Why did Newsom choose to close the final legislative session of his career with a complicated battle involving utilities, insurance companies and trial attorneys — all political heavyweights at the Capitol?\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12097260"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/RS48497_006_BoulderCreek_FireVictims_04092021-qut.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Just weeks after Newsom took office in early 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy. The utility giant was facing tens of billions of dollars in wildfire liabilities after its equipment sparked the Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and left 85 people dead. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Just weeks after Newsom took office in early 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy. The utility giant was facing tens of billions of dollars in wildfire liabilities after its equipment sparked the Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and left 85 people dead. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The company lacked sufficient cash, held inadequate wildfire insurance and ultimately suffered a credit crisis. As the extent of its liabilities became clear, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11716710/ratings-service-slashes-pge-credit-to-junk-status\">credit rating agencies downgraded PG&E\u003c/a> so that the value of its debt became almost worthless. It couldn’t get access to lines of short-term credit, so it couldn’t function day to day. It declared bankruptcy to halt the active lawsuits, pause servicing its debt and regroup. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The company lacked sufficient cash, held inadequate wildfire insurance and ultimately suffered a credit crisis. As the extent of its liabilities became clear, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11716710/ratings-service-slashes-pge-credit-to-junk-status\">credit rating agencies downgraded PG&E\u003c/a> so that the value of its debt became almost worthless. It couldn’t get access to lines of short-term credit, so it couldn’t function day to day. It declared bankruptcy to halt the active lawsuits, pause servicing its debt and regroup. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“He had a baptism by fire, so to speak, when he was elected right before the massive and deadly fires in Northern California,” said Becker, a longtime Newsom ally. “I think he feels a real obligation and responsibility to leave the state better than when he found it.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“He had a baptism by fire, so to speak, when he was elected right before the massive and deadly fires in Northern California,” said Becker, a longtime Newsom ally. “I think he feels a real obligation and responsibility to leave the state better than when he found it.” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, Newsom and the Legislature designated $21 billion — half from utility shareholders, half from ratepayers — for a fund to compensate victims of fires sparked by utility equipment. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, Newsom and the Legislature designated $21 billion — half from utility shareholders, half from ratepayers — for a fund to compensate victims of fires sparked by utility equipment. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It was designed as a long-term safety net, but the massive claims stemming from the Los Angeles fires in early 2025 threatened to drain the fund entirely. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It was designed as a long-term safety net, but the massive claims stemming from the Los Angeles fires in early 2025 threatened to drain the fund entirely. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Legislature replenished it with an additional $18 billion last summer, but another catastrophic fire could again threaten the solvency of the fund, providing the governor practical motivations for pursuing this deal. While the legislative session will end on Monday, Newsom’s final term runs through the fall months that constitute the heart of California’s modern wildfire season.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Legislature replenished it with an additional $18 billion last summer, but another catastrophic fire could again threaten the solvency of the fund, providing the governor practical motivations for pursuing this deal. While the legislative session will end on Monday, Newsom’s final term runs through the fall months that constitute the heart of California’s modern wildfire season.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That means another disaster could leave Newsom with a utility hurtling toward bankruptcy just as he leaves office — and prepares for an expected run for president.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That means another disaster could leave Newsom with a utility hurtling toward bankruptcy just as he leaves office — and prepares for an expected run for president.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“He’s concerned about, ‘Hey, one big fire could take that [fund] out,’” Becker said. “Then what happens?” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“He’s concerned about, ‘Hey, one big fire could take that [fund] out,’” Becker said. “Then what happens?” \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "Negotiations pitted California utilities against insurers in a fight over who pays after a damaging wildfire. The deal fell short of Newsom’s aims to limit utilities’ liability.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1788200736,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 33,
"wordCount": 1517
},
"headData": {
"title": "Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Last-Minute Deal on Wildfire Fallout | KQED",
"description": "Negotiations pitted California utilities against insurers in a fight over who pays after a damaging wildfire. The deal fell short of Newsom’s aims to limit utilities’ liability.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Last-Minute Deal on Wildfire Fallout",
"datePublished": "2026-08-29T10:17:48-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-31T11:25:36-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 13,
"slug": "politics",
"name": "Politics"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097357",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12097357/newsom-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deal-on-wildfire-fallout",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Seeking to lower California’s soaring electricity rates and improve payouts to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\">wildfire\u003c/a> survivors, Gov. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/gavin-newsom\">Gavin Newsom\u003c/a> and legislative leaders late Friday reached an eleventh-hour deal on changes to rules around wildfire liability.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At the heart of the deal is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases\">the question of who pays\u003c/a> when utility-owned equipment sparks a damaging wildfire — costs that have ballooned into the tens of billions of dollars in recent fire disasters. The plan, which comes after months of largely closed-door negotiations, seeks to protect ratepayers by stopping hedge funds from extracting massive payouts from utilities in the wake of wildfires, while also restricting utility executives from receiving bonuses when their equipment causes a fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation for victims and survivors of wildfires that we’ve ever done,” state Sen. Josh Becker, D–Menlo Park, told KQED on Saturday. “Getting them paid fairly and quickly, limiting the role of Wall Street in profiting off of these fires [and] holding utilities accountable.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The legislation authored by Becker, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB492\">Senate Bill 492\u003c/a>, would also create a program to speed up the payment of claims for wildfire survivors. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the agreement fell short of Newsom’s original aim: to prevent insurance companies from suing utilities to recover the damages that insurers pay out to fire victims. That process, known as subrogation, has helped drive up the cost of electricity bills by adding massive liability costs to power companies. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The charred remains of two cars after a fire passed by the area.\" class=\"wp-image-11882560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/07/GettyImages-1234187575-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Power lines lay on the smoldering remains of vehicles during the Dixie Fire in an unincorporated area of Plumas County on July 25, 2021. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, lawmakers are hoping to restrict insurance companies from selling their right to sue to private equity firms, which under the current system can purchase claims at a discount and drive up payout costs through pricey litigation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is all real progress for future fire survivors,” Newsom said in a statement on Saturday. “Nonetheless, this system needs full structural reform — not a partial one.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The agreement will require a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate as soon as Tuesday under an urgency clause that allows it to be voted on after Monday night’s scheduled close of California’s legislative session. For Newsom, it will bookend a tenure as governor that began in crisis in the wake of the deadliest, most destructive wildfire in the state’s modern history. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California law holds power companies, such as PG&E and Southern California Edison, responsible for the damage caused by their equipment — even without any finding of negligence, unlike other states. Liability from the 2018 Camp Fire pushed PG&E \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11879943/a-year-after-pge-left-bankruptcy-spending-by-fire-victim-trust-remains-a-mystery\">to declare bankruptcy\u003c/a> the following January, just weeks after Newsom took office. Damages from the 2025 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12076246/the-eaton-fire-ravaged-black-altadena-a-journalist-documents-its-resilience\">Eaton Fire in Altadena\u003c/a>, which was started by a SoCal Edison transmission line, could reach $45 billion. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the last decade, investor-owned utilities have spent billions to both shoulder wildfire liability and protect power lines from sparking future blazes. That spending has been passed along to California’s utility customers, who pay the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081882/san-francisco-has-been-trying-to-leave-pge-for-100-years-will-this-time-be-different\">second-highest electricity rates\u003c/a> in the nation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wildfire-related charges now add roughly $41 a month to the average PG&E bill and $27 a month for SoCal Edison customers, according to a state \u003ca href=\"https://www.cawildfirefund.com/sb-254-natural-catastrophe-resilience-study\">report released\u003c/a> this spring that served as a jumping-off point for the utility negotiations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, the spending by power companies will not completely eliminate the risk of utility-sparked wildfires, said Meredith Fowlie, faculty director at UC Berkeley’s Energy Institute at Haas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“That means there’s fire risk for people living in high-risk areas, close to power system infrastructure that they are not seeing in their insurance premiums,” Fowlie said. “We’re seeing them on our electricity bills.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While many California power customers, especially those in hotter inland areas, have few options in the face of escalating rates, Fowlie said homeowners can receive insurance discounts if they fire-proof their homes and \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/08/19/nx-s1-5937926/california-wildfire-rules-zone-zero-vegetation\">increase the defensible space\u003c/a> around their property. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Shifting more of the risk onto homeowners and property owners in higher-risk areas does dial up the financial incentives to do more mitigation to reduce premiums via discounts,” she added. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"Several homes and mobile homes sit on a hillsides where grasses have been removed.\" class=\"wp-image-11955391\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/RS66844_230626-HousingNevadaCoWildfire-74-BL-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A home in Nevada County that has created defensible space to help protect against damage due to wildfires on June 26, 2023. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But California’s insurance industry is in the midst of its own interwoven crisis. Wildfire losses have led many insurers to either stop renewing policies or leave the state — pushing residents in fire-prone areas onto \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094860/california-fair-plan-announces-29-1-rate-hike-for-homeowners-this-fall\">the FAIR Plan\u003c/a>, the state’s insurer of last resort. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Newsom’s original plan, meanwhile, was also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12093430/la-fire-survivors-say-newsom-is-trying-to-help-utilities-reduce-their-wildfire-costs-again\">criticized by wildfire survivor groups\u003c/a> and trial attorneys — the latter group holding particular influence among Democrats in the Legislature who were wary of signing on to a deal that could be perceived as a utility bailout. Wildfire survivor groups took aim at elements of Newsom’s original proposal that would have limited some claims of noneconomic damages.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Survivors from across California came to Sacramento and asked our elected representatives to stand with the people whose homes, communities and lives have been devastated,” Joy Chen, executive director of Every Fire Survivor’s Network, said in a statement on Saturday. “They listened. And in the face of extraordinary pressure from some of the most powerful interests in our state, they centered survivors and California families.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The deal Newsom reached with legislative leaders will prevent law firms from making unsolicited communications to survivors for 30 days after the disaster and cap attorney fees in insurance subrogation cases to 10% of the final settlement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The opponents [were] quite a strange grouping of bedfellows,” said Dave Jones, a former California insurance commissioner and director of the Climate Risk Initiative at the UC Berkeley School of Law’s Center for Law, Energy & the Environment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jones said that if utilities remain forced to shoulder the financial liabilities for wildfires, they will be incentivized to invest in grid safety and vegetation management. Shifting more of the burden to insurers, he said, will put more stress on fire survivors, local taxpayers and insurance policyholders. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Legislative rules prevent changes from being made to bills for 72 hours before a final vote. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Sen. Roger Niello, R–Fair Oaks, the Republican leader-elect, questioned whether three days was enough time for lawmakers to digest complex changes to wildfire rules. For the second consecutive year, lawmakers will be voting on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12055461/california-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deals-on-climate-energy\">consequential energy legislation\u003c/a> in the waning moments of the session.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’ve raised concerns before about major policy being pushed through at the last minute without public input,” Niello said in a statement. “I am committed to working with the next administration to craft financially sound solutions and double down on wildfire mitigation and prevention efforts.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Why did Newsom choose to close the final legislative session of his career with a complicated battle involving utilities, insurance companies and trial attorneys — all political heavyweights at the Capitol?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just weeks after Newsom took office in early 2019, PG&E declared bankruptcy. The utility giant was facing tens of billions of dollars in wildfire liabilities after its equipment sparked the Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and left 85 people dead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The company lacked sufficient cash, held inadequate wildfire insurance and ultimately suffered a credit crisis. As the extent of its liabilities became clear, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11716710/ratings-service-slashes-pge-credit-to-junk-status\">credit rating agencies downgraded PG&E\u003c/a> so that the value of its debt became almost worthless. It couldn’t get access to lines of short-term credit, so it couldn’t function day to day. It declared bankruptcy to halt the active lawsuits, pause servicing its debt and regroup. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He had a baptism by fire, so to speak, when he was elected right before the massive and deadly fires in Northern California,” said Becker, a longtime Newsom ally. “I think he feels a real obligation and responsibility to leave the state better than when he found it.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, Newsom and the Legislature designated $21 billion — half from utility shareholders, half from ratepayers — for a fund to compensate victims of fires sparked by utility equipment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It was designed as a long-term safety net, but the massive claims stemming from the Los Angeles fires in early 2025 threatened to drain the fund entirely. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Legislature replenished it with an additional $18 billion last summer, but another catastrophic fire could again threaten the solvency of the fund, providing the governor practical motivations for pursuing this deal. While the legislative session will end on Monday, Newsom’s final term runs through the fall months that constitute the heart of California’s modern wildfire season.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That means another disaster could leave Newsom with a utility hurtling toward bankruptcy just as he leaves office — and prepares for an expected run for president.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He’s concerned about, ‘Hey, one big fire could take that [fund] out,’” Becker said. “Then what happens?” \u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097357/newsom-lawmakers-reach-last-minute-deal-on-wildfire-fallout",
"authors": [
"227",
"11088"
],
"categories": [
"news_34165",
"news_8",
"news_13"
],
"tags": [
"news_19204",
"news_27626",
"news_34377",
"news_16",
"news_17968",
"news_37267",
"news_23596",
"news_23900",
"news_34684"
],
"featImg": "news_12062672",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12097383": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097383",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097383",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1787957513000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases",
"title": "Newsom’s Wildfire Gamble and Two Voting Court Cases",
"publishDate": 1787957513,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Newsom’s Wildfire Gamble and Two Voting Court Cases | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\n\u003cp>As one of his last acts as governor, Gavin Newsom is trying to tackle the ongoing wildfire crisis, pitting regular Californians, including fire survivors, against utility and insurance companies. There’s a midnight deadline for any legislative action. Marisa and Guy sort out why Newsom picked up this political hot potato. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Then, they discuss movement in two big court cases this week. The California Supreme Court heard arguments in the dispute over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096491/california-supreme-court-appears-skeptical-of-biancos-ballot-seizure\">Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s\u003c/a> unprecedented seizure of more than 650,000 ballots in last year’s Proposition 50 election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Trump to move forward with an attempt to restrict mail-in voting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As one of his last acts as governor, Gavin Newsom is trying to tackle the ongoing wildfire crisis, pitting regular Californians, including fire survivors, against utility and insurance companies. There’s a midnight deadline for any legislative action. Marisa and Guy sort out why Newsom picked up this political hot potato. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As one of his last acts as governor, Gavin Newsom is trying to tackle the ongoing wildfire crisis, pitting regular Californians, including fire survivors, against utility and insurance companies. There’s a midnight deadline for any legislative action. Marisa and Guy sort out why Newsom picked up this political hot potato. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Then, they discuss movement in two big court cases this week. The California Supreme Court heard arguments in the dispute over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096491/california-supreme-court-appears-skeptical-of-biancos-ballot-seizure\">Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s\u003c/a> unprecedented seizure of more than 650,000 ballots in last year’s Proposition 50 election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Trump to move forward with an attempt to restrict mail-in voting.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Then, they discuss movement in two big court cases this week. The California Supreme Court heard arguments in the dispute over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096491/california-supreme-court-appears-skeptical-of-biancos-ballot-seizure\">Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s\u003c/a> unprecedented seizure of more than 650,000 ballots in last year’s Proposition 50 election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Trump to move forward with an attempt to restrict mail-in voting.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1787957522,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 4,
"wordCount": 126
},
"headData": {
"title": "Newsom’s Wildfire Gamble and Two Voting Court Cases | KQED",
"description": "As one of his last acts as governor, Gavin Newsom is trying to tackle the ongoing wildfire crisis, pitting regular Californians, including fire survivors, against utility and insurance companies. There’s a midnight deadline for any legislative action. Marisa and Guy sort out why Newsom picked up this political hot potato. Then, they discuss movement in two big court cases this week. The California Supreme Court heard arguments in the dispute over Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s unprecedented seizure of more than 650,000 ballots in last year’s Proposition 50 election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Trump to move forward",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Newsom’s Wildfire Gamble and Two Voting Court Cases",
"datePublished": "2026-08-28T15:51:53-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-28T15:52:02-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 8,
"slug": "news",
"name": "News"
},
"source": "Political Breakdown",
"audioUrl": "https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/KQINC2901087432.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097383",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>As one of his last acts as governor, Gavin Newsom is trying to tackle the ongoing wildfire crisis, pitting regular Californians, including fire survivors, against utility and insurance companies. There’s a midnight deadline for any legislative action. Marisa and Guy sort out why Newsom picked up this political hot potato. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Then, they discuss movement in two big court cases this week. The California Supreme Court heard arguments in the dispute over \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096491/california-supreme-court-appears-skeptical-of-biancos-ballot-seizure\">Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s\u003c/a> unprecedented seizure of more than 650,000 ballots in last year’s Proposition 50 election. Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed President Trump to move forward with an attempt to restrict mail-in voting.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097383/newsoms-wildfire-gamble-and-two-voting-court-cases",
"authors": [
"3239",
"227"
],
"programs": [
"news_33544"
],
"categories": [
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_37190",
"news_22235",
"news_17968",
"news_3674",
"news_201",
"news_35336",
"news_34684"
],
"featImg": "news_12097440",
"label": "source_news_12097383"
},
"news_12097303": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097303",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097303",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1787955300000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "crews-struggle-to-contain-big-sur-fires-with-el-nino-on-the-horizon",
"title": "Crews Struggle to Contain Big Sur Fires With El Niño on the Horizon",
"publishDate": 1787955300,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Crews Struggle to Contain Big Sur Fires With El Niño on the Horizon | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>Light rainfall on Friday did little to dampen the threat of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> in the Big Sur area, with experts warning that impending El Niño conditions could escalate matters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just 21% contained since its eruption on Aug. 8, the Timber Fire has \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">burned\u003c/a> 23,343 acres as of Friday afternoon and ranks as the third-biggest \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">fire\u003c/a> of the year. Highway 1 still remains under threat from that blaze, as well as the Plaskett Fire to the south, which has burned 2,774 acres since its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire\">eruption\u003c/a> on Wednesday morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While rain clouds gathered in the Monterey County area on Friday morning, Cal Fire incident meteorologist Aviva Braun said in a YouTube \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/18ATQwUhNqk?si=OBgpdd6ZCngLar2M\">briefing\u003c/a> that, after bringing little relief to either blaze, they will dissipate this afternoon, followed by drying conditions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That “constant drying factor” presents challenges, Braun said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097343\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter drops water on the Timber Fire on Aug. 27, 2026, in California. (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Citing these conditions as well as the threat of erratic wind gusts approaching 40 mph that could be triggered by isolated thunderstorms, meteorologists already issued a red flag \u003ca href=\"https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire\">warning\u003c/a> along the central coast.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fourteen areas in the Timber Fire region face active evacuation orders, with another 17 under evacuation warnings — and five more under orders to shelter in place. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Around Plaskett, two areas face evacuation orders and another three are under evacuation warnings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The fire has already \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/d5-news/d5-news-8-27-2026-3\">closed\u003c/a> a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1, beginning around Gorda at mile marker 10.2 to just south of Old Coast Road at Mile Marker 50.1. Officials have no timeline on plans to reopen the iconic roadway.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“As surrounding brush dries out, fire activity is expected to pick up, with the potential for flying embers to spark new spot fires 0.1 to 0.2 miles ahead of the main fire front and cross over established containment lines,” Cal Fire wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">statement\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A community meeting on the Timber Fire is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday in Carmel Valley’s Cachagua Community Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1083\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-160x90.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-1536x866.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter flies over the ocean near the Plaskett Fire on Aug. 26, 2026, in California. (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Daniel Swain with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources spoke about the Big Sur fires in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=m61bKp9NG0U&ra=m\">briefing\u003c/a> late Thursday afternoon, part of the climate scientist’s YouTube channel offering live weather commentary.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the Timber Fire slowly moves in the direction of more populated areas, Swain said, the situation is “getting a little bit serious,” but it has not yet risen to the level of an emergency.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coupled with the approach of autumnal El Niño conditions, “This pattern is looking awfully favorable for something significant to happen in the first or second week of September,” Swain said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is the classic part of the California coast that might see a lot of rainfall in a very strong El Niño year,” Swain said early in the broadcast, noting the possibility of a future flood and debris flow problem.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Current water temperatures off the coast of Southern California are up to 7 degrees Celsius above average, Swain said. “These are extremely humid conditions, not just anomalously humid, but way up into, essentially, about-as-humid-as-it’s-ever-gotten type of territory in some parts of Southern California,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to the humidity, Swain pointed to what he called “ridiculously warm, record-shattering overnight temperatures.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With dew points in the mid- to upper-70s, “that is positively Miami-like” for Southern California, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cal Fire said that the cause of both the Timber and Plaskett fires remained under investigation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are 1,228 personnel responding to the Timber Fire, with 14 helicopters and 87 engines and 661 structures in the area are \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">threatened\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Light rainfall on Friday did little to dampen the threat of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> in the Big Sur area, with experts warning that impending El Niño conditions could escalate matters.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Light rainfall on Friday did little to dampen the threat of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> in the Big Sur area, with experts warning that impending El Niño conditions could escalate matters.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Just 21% contained since its eruption on Aug. 8, the Timber Fire has \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">burned\u003c/a> 23,343 acres as of Friday afternoon and ranks as the third-biggest \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">fire\u003c/a> of the year. Highway 1 still remains under threat from that blaze, as well as the Plaskett Fire to the south, which has burned 2,774 acres since its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire\">eruption\u003c/a> on Wednesday morning. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Just 21% contained since its eruption on Aug. 8, the Timber Fire has \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">burned\u003c/a> 23,343 acres as of Friday afternoon and ranks as the third-biggest \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">fire\u003c/a> of the year. Highway 1 still remains under threat from that blaze, as well as the Plaskett Fire to the south, which has burned 2,774 acres since its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire\">eruption\u003c/a> on Wednesday morning. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While rain clouds gathered in the Monterey County area on Friday morning, Cal Fire incident meteorologist Aviva Braun said in a YouTube \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/18ATQwUhNqk?si=OBgpdd6ZCngLar2M\">briefing\u003c/a> that, after bringing little relief to either blaze, they will dissipate this afternoon, followed by drying conditions.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>While rain clouds gathered in the Monterey County area on Friday morning, Cal Fire incident meteorologist Aviva Braun said in a YouTube \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/18ATQwUhNqk?si=OBgpdd6ZCngLar2M\">briefing\u003c/a> that, after bringing little relief to either blaze, they will dissipate this afternoon, followed by drying conditions.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That “constant drying factor” presents challenges, Braun said. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That “constant drying factor” presents challenges, Braun said. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12097343,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-1536x1023.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097343\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter drops water on the Timber Fire on Aug. 27, 2026, in California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097343\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter drops water on the Timber Fire on Aug. 27, 2026, in California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Citing these conditions as well as the threat of erratic wind gusts approaching 40 mph that could be triggered by isolated thunderstorms, meteorologists already issued a red flag \u003ca href=\"https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire\">warning\u003c/a> along the central coast.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Citing these conditions as well as the threat of erratic wind gusts approaching 40 mph that could be triggered by isolated thunderstorms, meteorologists already issued a red flag \u003ca href=\"https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire\">warning\u003c/a> along the central coast.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fourteen areas in the Timber Fire region face active evacuation orders, with another 17 under evacuation warnings — and five more under orders to shelter in place. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Fourteen areas in the Timber Fire region face active evacuation orders, with another 17 under evacuation warnings — and five more under orders to shelter in place. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Around Plaskett, two areas face evacuation orders and another three are under evacuation warnings.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Around Plaskett, two areas face evacuation orders and another three are under evacuation warnings.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The fire has already \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/d5-news/d5-news-8-27-2026-3\">closed\u003c/a> a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1, beginning around Gorda at mile marker 10.2 to just south of Old Coast Road at Mile Marker 50.1. Officials have no timeline on plans to reopen the iconic roadway.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“As surrounding brush dries out, fire activity is expected to pick up, with the potential for flying embers to spark new spot fires 0.1 to 0.2 miles ahead of the main fire front and cross over established containment lines,” Cal Fire wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">statement\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The fire has already \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/d5-news/d5-news-8-27-2026-3\">closed\u003c/a> a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1, beginning around Gorda at mile marker 10.2 to just south of Old Coast Road at Mile Marker 50.1. Officials have no timeline on plans to reopen the iconic roadway.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“As surrounding brush dries out, fire activity is expected to pick up, with the potential for flying embers to spark new spot fires 0.1 to 0.2 miles ahead of the main fire front and cross over established containment lines,” Cal Fire wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">statement\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A community meeting on the Timber Fire is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday in Carmel Valley’s Cachagua Community Park.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>A community meeting on the Timber Fire is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday in Carmel Valley’s Cachagua Community Park.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12097338,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-160x90.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-1536x866.jpeg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-160x90.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-1536x866.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter flies over the ocean near the Plaskett Fire on Aug. 26, 2026, in California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097338\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter flies over the ocean near the Plaskett Fire on Aug. 26, 2026, in California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Daniel Swain with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources spoke about the Big Sur fires in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=m61bKp9NG0U&ra=m\">briefing\u003c/a> late Thursday afternoon, part of the climate scientist’s YouTube channel offering live weather commentary.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Daniel Swain with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources spoke about the Big Sur fires in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=m61bKp9NG0U&ra=m\">briefing\u003c/a> late Thursday afternoon, part of the climate scientist’s YouTube channel offering live weather commentary.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As the Timber Fire slowly moves in the direction of more populated areas, Swain said, the situation is “getting a little bit serious,” but it has not yet risen to the level of an emergency.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As the Timber Fire slowly moves in the direction of more populated areas, Swain said, the situation is “getting a little bit serious,” but it has not yet risen to the level of an emergency.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coupled with the approach of autumnal El Niño conditions, “This pattern is looking awfully favorable for something significant to happen in the first or second week of September,” Swain said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Coupled with the approach of autumnal El Niño conditions, “This pattern is looking awfully favorable for something significant to happen in the first or second week of September,” Swain said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12097092"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/BigSurGetty4.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is the classic part of the California coast that might see a lot of rainfall in a very strong El Niño year,” Swain said early in the broadcast, noting the possibility of a future flood and debris flow problem.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“This is the classic part of the California coast that might see a lot of rainfall in a very strong El Niño year,” Swain said early in the broadcast, noting the possibility of a future flood and debris flow problem.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Current water temperatures off the coast of Southern California are up to 7 degrees Celsius above average, Swain said. “These are extremely humid conditions, not just anomalously humid, but way up into, essentially, about-as-humid-as-it’s-ever-gotten type of territory in some parts of Southern California,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Current water temperatures off the coast of Southern California are up to 7 degrees Celsius above average, Swain said. “These are extremely humid conditions, not just anomalously humid, but way up into, essentially, about-as-humid-as-it’s-ever-gotten type of territory in some parts of Southern California,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In addition to the humidity, Swain pointed to what he called “ridiculously warm, record-shattering overnight temperatures.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In addition to the humidity, Swain pointed to what he called “ridiculously warm, record-shattering overnight temperatures.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With dew points in the mid- to upper-70s, “that is positively Miami-like” for Southern California, he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>With dew points in the mid- to upper-70s, “that is positively Miami-like” for Southern California, he said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Cal Fire said that the cause of both the Timber and Plaskett fires remained under investigation.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Cal Fire said that the cause of both the Timber and Plaskett fires remained under investigation.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There are 1,228 personnel responding to the Timber Fire, with 14 helicopters and 87 engines and 661 structures in the area are \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">threatened\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There are 1,228 personnel responding to the Timber Fire, with 14 helicopters and 87 engines and 661 structures in the area are \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">threatened\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "Storm clouds brought only light precipitation that experts say will dry out quickly in the blazing Big Sur area.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1787959286,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 18,
"wordCount": 631
},
"headData": {
"title": "Crews Struggle to Contain Big Sur Fires With El Niño on the Horizon | KQED",
"description": "Storm clouds brought only light precipitation that experts say will dry out quickly in the blazing Big Sur area.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Crews Struggle to Contain Big Sur Fires With El Niño on the Horizon",
"datePublished": "2026-08-28T15:15:00-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-28T16:21:26-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 31795,
"slug": "california",
"name": "California"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097303",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12097303/crews-struggle-to-contain-big-sur-fires-with-el-nino-on-the-horizon",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Light rainfall on Friday did little to dampen the threat of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">Timber and Plaskett fires\u003c/a> in the Big Sur area, with experts warning that impending El Niño conditions could escalate matters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Just 21% contained since its eruption on Aug. 8, the Timber Fire has \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">burned\u003c/a> 23,343 acres as of Friday afternoon and ranks as the third-biggest \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026\">fire\u003c/a> of the year. Highway 1 still remains under threat from that blaze, as well as the Plaskett Fire to the south, which has burned 2,774 acres since its \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire\">eruption\u003c/a> on Wednesday morning. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While rain clouds gathered in the Monterey County area on Friday morning, Cal Fire incident meteorologist Aviva Braun said in a YouTube \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/18ATQwUhNqk?si=OBgpdd6ZCngLar2M\">briefing\u003c/a> that, after bringing little relief to either blaze, they will dissipate this afternoon, followed by drying conditions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That “constant drying factor” presents challenges, Braun said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1332\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097343\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-827-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter drops water on the Timber Fire on Aug. 27, 2026, in California. (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Citing these conditions as well as the threat of erratic wind gusts approaching 40 mph that could be triggered by isolated thunderstorms, meteorologists already issued a red flag \u003ca href=\"https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/calpf-timber-fire\">warning\u003c/a> along the central coast.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fourteen areas in the Timber Fire region face active evacuation orders, with another 17 under evacuation warnings — and five more under orders to shelter in place. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Around Plaskett, two areas face evacuation orders and another three are under evacuation warnings.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The fire has already \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/d5-news/d5-news-8-27-2026-3\">closed\u003c/a> a 40-mile stretch of Highway 1, beginning around Gorda at mile marker 10.2 to just south of Old Coast Road at Mile Marker 50.1. Officials have no timeline on plans to reopen the iconic roadway.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“As surrounding brush dries out, fire activity is expected to pick up, with the potential for flying embers to spark new spot fires 0.1 to 0.2 miles ahead of the main fire front and cross over established containment lines,” Cal Fire wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">statement\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A community meeting on the Timber Fire is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday in Carmel Valley’s Cachagua Community Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1083\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12097338\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter.jpeg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-160x90.jpeg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/plaskett-fire-ocean-helicopter-1536x866.jpeg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A helicopter flies over the ocean near the Plaskett Fire on Aug. 26, 2026, in California. (Courtesy of Cal Fire)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Daniel Swain with UC Agriculture and Natural Resources spoke about the Big Sur fires in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=m61bKp9NG0U&ra=m\">briefing\u003c/a> late Thursday afternoon, part of the climate scientist’s YouTube channel offering live weather commentary.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As the Timber Fire slowly moves in the direction of more populated areas, Swain said, the situation is “getting a little bit serious,” but it has not yet risen to the level of an emergency.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coupled with the approach of autumnal El Niño conditions, “This pattern is looking awfully favorable for something significant to happen in the first or second week of September,” Swain said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is the classic part of the California coast that might see a lot of rainfall in a very strong El Niño year,” Swain said early in the broadcast, noting the possibility of a future flood and debris flow problem.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Current water temperatures off the coast of Southern California are up to 7 degrees Celsius above average, Swain said. “These are extremely humid conditions, not just anomalously humid, but way up into, essentially, about-as-humid-as-it’s-ever-gotten type of territory in some parts of Southern California,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In addition to the humidity, Swain pointed to what he called “ridiculously warm, record-shattering overnight temperatures.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>With dew points in the mid- to upper-70s, “that is positively Miami-like” for Southern California, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Cal Fire said that the cause of both the Timber and Plaskett fires remained under investigation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There are 1,228 personnel responding to the Timber Fire, with 14 helicopters and 87 engines and 661 structures in the area are \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">threatened\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097303/crews-struggle-to-contain-big-sur-fires-with-el-nino-on-the-horizon",
"authors": [
"12015"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34165",
"news_8",
"news_356"
],
"tags": [
"news_5369",
"news_18538",
"news_19204",
"news_255",
"news_20534",
"news_28199",
"news_4084",
"news_36379",
"news_22456",
"news_3187",
"news_1855",
"news_4463"
],
"featImg": "news_12097307",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12097260": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097260",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097260",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1787934799000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "the-santa-cruz-recovery-group-helping-fire-victims-rebuild-their-homes",
"title": "The Santa Cruz Recovery Group Helping Fire Victims Rebuild Their Homes",
"publishDate": 1787934799,
"format": "audio",
"headTitle": "The Santa Cruz Recovery Group Helping Fire Victims Rebuild Their Homes | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, August 28, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>It’s been six years since the CZU fire burned nearly 700 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Less than a third of those have been rebuilt. KAZU’s Erin Malsbury reports on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">one recent success story\u003c/a>. The Santa Cruz County Long Term \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Recovery Group\u003c/a> is a local nonprofit helping fire victims rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Palm Springs is the latest city to approve\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\"> a temporary ban \u003c/a>on large-scale data centers… as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kvcrnews.org/local-news/2026-06-22/data-centers-face-backlash-across-california-as-residents-demand-more-transparency-around-their-impacts\">more communities across Southern California\u003c/a> consider their impacts on infrastructure and the environment.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>California Attorney General Rob \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">Bonta is responding to concerns\u003c/a> that the $17 billion dollar settlement deal he and other attorneys general just reached with Meta is too weak.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">Volunteer Work and Donations Leading to Reconstruction Below Market Rate\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tonia Weakland-Wilhelm lost her family home in the fire and says Covid supply chain issues—and now tariffs—have made rebuilding expensive.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ That’s part of why I almost gave up… I put all my insurance money into the pre-clearances, the septic, and geotechnical and stuff like that, and then it came to a point where I wasn’t gonna be able to do it,” says Weakland-Wilhelm. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She was about to put her land on the market when she learned about the \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group\u003c/a>. The local nonprofit helped her rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It made my life so much easier,” she says. “ I can’t even explain or put a number on the value of them doing all of the paperwork and everything for me, you know?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Executive director Tonje Switzer formed the long term recovery group after rebuilding her own home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11873396/i-cant-abandon-this-community-months-after-czu-fires-survivors-struggle-to-rebuild\">which burned down in the CZU fire.\u003c/a> She still remembers the kindness of a neighbor whose house had not burned. He ran PVC pipes from his well to his neighbors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just came back on my property one day, and I had water,” says Switzer. “And that is sort of the impetus of this, right? That community effort, the barn raising of it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That helped inspire the nonprofit, which works with people affected by fires and major storms. It’s the only group in the county doing that kind of case management.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They’re financially vetted and also vetted for vulnerabilities, and of course, to make sure that the damage to their homes is disaster related.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Switzer says because of careful groundwork, they have a high success rate. Volunteer work and donations keep the projects well-below market rate. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house would have cost around $700,000 dollars to rebuild, but the long term recovery group brought costs down to $250,000.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, Weakland-Wilhelm, like many homeowners, had to borrow. Switzer says the group is happy to talk to hesitant lenders.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp> “When Tonia presented the budget, they looked at her like, ‘What do you take us for? Nobody can build for that amount of money. It’s impossible to build what you’re proposing.’ “\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So the Recovery Group sat down with the bankers and explained what they do.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And with that, she was able to achieve a construction loan, to build the home to bridge that gap.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Most of their projects have been renovations. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house is the first the Long Term Recovery Group has completely rebuilt from architectural plans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Standing in the newly completed home, construction project manager Dylan Childs says the project would not have been possible without committed volunteers who spent weeks working on the foundation, framing, and walls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The dedication they have, the willingness to come out on this hill to do this hard work with me has just been tremendous, and I can’t thank them enough,” says Childs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He worked at Habitat for Humanity for years, and brought some of the volunteers—and traditions—over. That included a special gift for Weakland-Wilhelm’s house dedication.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“One of our volunteers was a high school wood shop teacher for a career. He made sure to build very detailed jewelry boxes for each homeowner, and we gifted them their keys inside the jewelry box,” Childs said. “John Reisdorf isn’t with us anymore. He made a few extra boxes. This one’s for you. Welcome home, Tonia.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Childs says the old growth redwood of the box was likely milled from some of the same trees as Weakland-Wilhelm’s original home. The new house also includes redwood from some of the trees cut after the fire. That was important to Weakland-Wilhelm.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I had to find someone to mill them, and that was an expense. But, you know, I’m so glad I did that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She says one of the best construction moments was raising the first wall with family and volunteers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ Hopefully this story will inspire people to keep persevering through their hardships and to support people that need it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As soon as she has final clearance from the county, Weakland-Wilhelm will move back in, along with her mother, who owned the land before her.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella Valley Towns Weigh the Costs of Data Centers, Vote on Bans\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://thepalmspringspost.com/palm-springs-joins-other-valley-cities-in-temporary-ban-on-data-centers/\">Palm Springs city council voted \u003c/a>to enact a 45-day pause on data center approvals. Officials say its city laws currently do not mention data centers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Councilwoman Grace Garner, who proposed the moratorium, says it will allow the city to study their impacts on jobs, infrastructure and the environment\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And as we’ve seen in other communities across the country, who have not had that happen, there are really huge detriments,” said Garner. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella’s city council\u003c/a> finalized its ban on data centers. Coachella Mayor Frank Figueroa says they acted on the will of the people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You guys made this happen. We are the policymakers fixing what we did wrong, and you told us that day in and day out.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coachella’s citywide ban is set to take place a month from now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">AG Bonta: “We have secured the changes we were after,” in Meta Settlement \u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Critics point out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096821/meta-states-agree-to-17-billion-settlement-in-child-safety-trial\">billions in settlement money\u003c/a> is paid over ten years, and five billion of it is contingent on TikTok and YouTube agreeing to the same rules.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bonta says the price tag is still historic, but not what he considers the most important part of the settlement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The lead here is the injunctive relief, the changes that will be required of Meta … different business practices, different approaches, restrictions, and parameters that help reduce harm for kids. That’s really the headline,” said Bonta. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over the next six months, Meta will be required to institute a default daily time limit of two hours for users under 18, a nighttime block between midnight and 6 a.m. and a notification block overnight and during school hours. Those default settings can only be changed by a parent, and some would be expanded if other social media companies commit to similar terms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Their apps will also ban displaying the number of likes or reactions that users under 18 get on their posts, and ban image filters that imitate cosmetic procedures for those users. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bonta says he expects the owners of TikTok, YouTube and Snap to follow, if not the easy way, then through the courts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We expect that other members of the industry … will adhere to essentially a similar set of remedies and protections for kids,” Bonta said during a press conference on Wednesday morning. “Whether we do that through litigation, through conversation and resolution, is really up to the other members of the industry.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meta also committed to creating enhanced parent supervision tools, instituting more robust measures to detect users’ ages and bringing on an independent auditor “with expansive access to information and resources, regular reporting and the right to communicate concerns to the attorneys general.”\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, August 28, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, August 28, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"It’s been six years since the CZU fire burned nearly 700 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Less than a third of those have been rebuilt. KAZU’s Erin Malsbury reports on one recent success story. The Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group is a local nonprofit helping fire victims rebuild from the ground up.",
"Palm Springs is the latest city to approve a temporary ban on large-scale data centers… as more communities across Southern California consider their impacts on infrastructure and the environment.",
"California Attorney General Rob Bonta is responding to concerns that the $17 billion dollar settlement deal he and other attorneys general just reached with Meta is too weak."
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>It’s been six years since the CZU fire burned nearly 700 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Less than a third of those have been rebuilt. KAZU’s Erin Malsbury reports on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">one recent success story\u003c/a>. The Santa Cruz County Long Term \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Recovery Group\u003c/a> is a local nonprofit helping fire victims rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>It’s been six years since the CZU fire burned nearly 700 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Less than a third of those have been rebuilt. KAZU’s Erin Malsbury reports on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">one recent success story\u003c/a>. The Santa Cruz County Long Term \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Recovery Group\u003c/a> is a local nonprofit helping fire victims rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Palm Springs is the latest city to approve\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\"> a temporary ban \u003c/a>on large-scale data centers… as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kvcrnews.org/local-news/2026-06-22/data-centers-face-backlash-across-california-as-residents-demand-more-transparency-around-their-impacts\">more communities across Southern California\u003c/a> consider their impacts on infrastructure and the environment.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Palm Springs is the latest city to approve\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\"> a temporary ban \u003c/a>on large-scale data centers… as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kvcrnews.org/local-news/2026-06-22/data-centers-face-backlash-across-california-as-residents-demand-more-transparency-around-their-impacts\">more communities across Southern California\u003c/a> consider their impacts on infrastructure and the environment.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>California Attorney General Rob \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">Bonta is responding to concerns\u003c/a> that the $17 billion dollar settlement deal he and other attorneys general just reached with Meta is too weak.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>California Attorney General Rob \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">Bonta is responding to concerns\u003c/a> that the $17 billion dollar settlement deal he and other attorneys general just reached with Meta is too weak.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Volunteer Work and Donations Leading to Reconstruction Below Market Rate",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">Volunteer Work and Donations Leading to Reconstruction Below Market Rate\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">Volunteer Work and Donations Leading to Reconstruction Below Market Rate\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tonia Weakland-Wilhelm lost her family home in the fire and says Covid supply chain issues—and now tariffs—have made rebuilding expensive.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Tonia Weakland-Wilhelm lost her family home in the fire and says Covid supply chain issues—and now tariffs—have made rebuilding expensive.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ That’s part of why I almost gave up… I put all my insurance money into the pre-clearances, the septic, and geotechnical and stuff like that, and then it came to a point where I wasn’t gonna be able to do it,” says Weakland-Wilhelm. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“ That’s part of why I almost gave up… I put all my insurance money into the pre-clearances, the septic, and geotechnical and stuff like that, and then it came to a point where I wasn’t gonna be able to do it,” says Weakland-Wilhelm. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She was about to put her land on the market when she learned about the \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group\u003c/a>. The local nonprofit helped her rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>She was about to put her land on the market when she learned about the \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group\u003c/a>. The local nonprofit helped her rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It made my life so much easier,” she says. “ I can’t even explain or put a number on the value of them doing all of the paperwork and everything for me, you know?”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It made my life so much easier,” she says. “ I can’t even explain or put a number on the value of them doing all of the paperwork and everything for me, you know?”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Executive director Tonje Switzer formed the long term recovery group after rebuilding her own home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11873396/i-cant-abandon-this-community-months-after-czu-fires-survivors-struggle-to-rebuild\">which burned down in the CZU fire.\u003c/a> She still remembers the kindness of a neighbor whose house had not burned. He ran PVC pipes from his well to his neighbors.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Executive director Tonje Switzer formed the long term recovery group after rebuilding her own home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11873396/i-cant-abandon-this-community-months-after-czu-fires-survivors-struggle-to-rebuild\">which burned down in the CZU fire.\u003c/a> She still remembers the kindness of a neighbor whose house had not burned. He ran PVC pipes from his well to his neighbors.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I just came back on my property one day, and I had water,” says Switzer. “And that is sort of the impetus of this, right? That community effort, the barn raising of it.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I just came back on my property one day, and I had water,” says Switzer. “And that is sort of the impetus of this, right? That community effort, the barn raising of it.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That helped inspire the nonprofit, which works with people affected by fires and major storms. It’s the only group in the county doing that kind of case management.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>That helped inspire the nonprofit, which works with people affected by fires and major storms. It’s the only group in the county doing that kind of case management.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They’re financially vetted and also vetted for vulnerabilities, and of course, to make sure that the damage to their homes is disaster related.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“They’re financially vetted and also vetted for vulnerabilities, and of course, to make sure that the damage to their homes is disaster related.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Switzer says because of careful groundwork, they have a high success rate. Volunteer work and donations keep the projects well-below market rate. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house would have cost around $700,000 dollars to rebuild, but the long term recovery group brought costs down to $250,000.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Switzer says because of careful groundwork, they have a high success rate. Volunteer work and donations keep the projects well-below market rate. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house would have cost around $700,000 dollars to rebuild, but the long term recovery group brought costs down to $250,000.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Still, Weakland-Wilhelm, like many homeowners, had to borrow. Switzer says the group is happy to talk to hesitant lenders.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Still, Weakland-Wilhelm, like many homeowners, had to borrow. Switzer says the group is happy to talk to hesitant lenders.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp> “When Tonia presented the budget, they looked at her like, ‘What do you take us for? Nobody can build for that amount of money. It’s impossible to build what you’re proposing.’ “\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp> “When Tonia presented the budget, they looked at her like, ‘What do you take us for? Nobody can build for that amount of money. It’s impossible to build what you’re proposing.’ “\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So the Recovery Group sat down with the bankers and explained what they do.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So the Recovery Group sat down with the bankers and explained what they do.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“And with that, she was able to achieve a construction loan, to build the home to bridge that gap.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“And with that, she was able to achieve a construction loan, to build the home to bridge that gap.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Most of their projects have been renovations. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house is the first the Long Term Recovery Group has completely rebuilt from architectural plans.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Most of their projects have been renovations. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house is the first the Long Term Recovery Group has completely rebuilt from architectural plans.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Standing in the newly completed home, construction project manager Dylan Childs says the project would not have been possible without committed volunteers who spent weeks working on the foundation, framing, and walls.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Standing in the newly completed home, construction project manager Dylan Childs says the project would not have been possible without committed volunteers who spent weeks working on the foundation, framing, and walls.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The dedication they have, the willingness to come out on this hill to do this hard work with me has just been tremendous, and I can’t thank them enough,” says Childs.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The dedication they have, the willingness to come out on this hill to do this hard work with me has just been tremendous, and I can’t thank them enough,” says Childs.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He worked at Habitat for Humanity for years, and brought some of the volunteers—and traditions—over. That included a special gift for Weakland-Wilhelm’s house dedication.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>He worked at Habitat for Humanity for years, and brought some of the volunteers—and traditions—over. That included a special gift for Weakland-Wilhelm’s house dedication.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“One of our volunteers was a high school wood shop teacher for a career. He made sure to build very detailed jewelry boxes for each homeowner, and we gifted them their keys inside the jewelry box,” Childs said. “John Reisdorf isn’t with us anymore. He made a few extra boxes. This one’s for you. Welcome home, Tonia.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“One of our volunteers was a high school wood shop teacher for a career. He made sure to build very detailed jewelry boxes for each homeowner, and we gifted them their keys inside the jewelry box,” Childs said. “John Reisdorf isn’t with us anymore. He made a few extra boxes. This one’s for you. Welcome home, Tonia.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Childs says the old growth redwood of the box was likely milled from some of the same trees as Weakland-Wilhelm’s original home. The new house also includes redwood from some of the trees cut after the fire. That was important to Weakland-Wilhelm.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Childs says the old growth redwood of the box was likely milled from some of the same trees as Weakland-Wilhelm’s original home. The new house also includes redwood from some of the trees cut after the fire. That was important to Weakland-Wilhelm.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I had to find someone to mill them, and that was an expense. But, you know, I’m so glad I did that.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“I had to find someone to mill them, and that was an expense. But, you know, I’m so glad I did that.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She says one of the best construction moments was raising the first wall with family and volunteers.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>She says one of the best construction moments was raising the first wall with family and volunteers.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ Hopefully this story will inspire people to keep persevering through their hardships and to support people that need it.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“ Hopefully this story will inspire people to keep persevering through their hardships and to support people that need it.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As soon as she has final clearance from the county, Weakland-Wilhelm will move back in, along with her mother, who owned the land before her.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As soon as she has final clearance from the county, Weakland-Wilhelm will move back in, along with her mother, who owned the land before her.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Coachella Valley Towns Weigh the Costs of Data Centers, Vote on Bans",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella Valley Towns Weigh the Costs of Data Centers, Vote on Bans\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella Valley Towns Weigh the Costs of Data Centers, Vote on Bans\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://thepalmspringspost.com/palm-springs-joins-other-valley-cities-in-temporary-ban-on-data-centers/\">Palm Springs city council voted \u003c/a>to enact a 45-day pause on data center approvals. Officials say its city laws currently do not mention data centers.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://thepalmspringspost.com/palm-springs-joins-other-valley-cities-in-temporary-ban-on-data-centers/\">Palm Springs city council voted \u003c/a>to enact a 45-day pause on data center approvals. Officials say its city laws currently do not mention data centers.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Councilwoman Grace Garner, who proposed the moratorium, says it will allow the city to study their impacts on jobs, infrastructure and the environment\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Councilwoman Grace Garner, who proposed the moratorium, says it will allow the city to study their impacts on jobs, infrastructure and the environment\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“And as we’ve seen in other communities across the country, who have not had that happen, there are really huge detriments,” said Garner. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“And as we’ve seen in other communities across the country, who have not had that happen, there are really huge detriments,” said Garner. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella’s city council\u003c/a> finalized its ban on data centers. Coachella Mayor Frank Figueroa says they acted on the will of the people.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella’s city council\u003c/a> finalized its ban on data centers. Coachella Mayor Frank Figueroa says they acted on the will of the people.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You guys made this happen. We are the policymakers fixing what we did wrong, and you told us that day in and day out.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“You guys made this happen. We are the policymakers fixing what we did wrong, and you told us that day in and day out.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coachella’s citywide ban is set to take place a month from now.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Coachella’s citywide ban is set to take place a month from now.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "AG Bonta: “We have secured the changes we were after,” in Meta Settlement",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">AG Bonta: “We have secured the changes we were after,” in Meta Settlement \u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">AG Bonta: “We have secured the changes we were after,” in Meta Settlement \u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Critics point out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096821/meta-states-agree-to-17-billion-settlement-in-child-safety-trial\">billions in settlement money\u003c/a> is paid over ten years, and five billion of it is contingent on TikTok and YouTube agreeing to the same rules.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Critics point out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096821/meta-states-agree-to-17-billion-settlement-in-child-safety-trial\">billions in settlement money\u003c/a> is paid over ten years, and five billion of it is contingent on TikTok and YouTube agreeing to the same rules.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bonta says the price tag is still historic, but not what he considers the most important part of the settlement.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Bonta says the price tag is still historic, but not what he considers the most important part of the settlement.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The lead here is the injunctive relief, the changes that will be required of Meta … different business practices, different approaches, restrictions, and parameters that help reduce harm for kids. That’s really the headline,” said Bonta. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“The lead here is the injunctive relief, the changes that will be required of Meta … different business practices, different approaches, restrictions, and parameters that help reduce harm for kids. That’s really the headline,” said Bonta. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Over the next six months, Meta will be required to institute a default daily time limit of two hours for users under 18, a nighttime block between midnight and 6 a.m. and a notification block overnight and during school hours. Those default settings can only be changed by a parent, and some would be expanded if other social media companies commit to similar terms.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Over the next six months, Meta will be required to institute a default daily time limit of two hours for users under 18, a nighttime block between midnight and 6 a.m. and a notification block overnight and during school hours. Those default settings can only be changed by a parent, and some would be expanded if other social media companies commit to similar terms.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Their apps will also ban displaying the number of likes or reactions that users under 18 get on their posts, and ban image filters that imitate cosmetic procedures for those users. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Their apps will also ban displaying the number of likes or reactions that users under 18 get on their posts, and ban image filters that imitate cosmetic procedures for those users. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bonta says he expects the owners of TikTok, YouTube and Snap to follow, if not the easy way, then through the courts.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Bonta says he expects the owners of TikTok, YouTube and Snap to follow, if not the easy way, then through the courts.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We expect that other members of the industry … will adhere to essentially a similar set of remedies and protections for kids,” Bonta said during a press conference on Wednesday morning. “Whether we do that through litigation, through conversation and resolution, is really up to the other members of the industry.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We expect that other members of the industry … will adhere to essentially a similar set of remedies and protections for kids,” Bonta said during a press conference on Wednesday morning. “Whether we do that through litigation, through conversation and resolution, is really up to the other members of the industry.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Meta also committed to creating enhanced parent supervision tools, instituting more robust measures to detect users’ ages and bringing on an independent auditor “with expansive access to information and resources, regular reporting and the right to communicate concerns to the attorneys general.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Meta also committed to creating enhanced parent supervision tools, instituting more robust measures to detect users’ ages and bringing on an independent auditor “with expansive access to information and resources, regular reporting and the right to communicate concerns to the attorneys general.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": "The Long Term Recovery Group of Santa Cruz County is making reconstruction a community affair.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1787936914,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 38,
"wordCount": 1330
},
"headData": {
"title": "The Santa Cruz Recovery Group Helping Fire Victims Rebuild Their Homes | KQED",
"description": "The Long Term Recovery Group of Santa Cruz County is making reconstruction a community affair.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "The Santa Cruz Recovery Group Helping Fire Victims Rebuild Their Homes",
"datePublished": "2026-08-28T09:33:19-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-28T10:08:34-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 33520,
"slug": "podcast",
"name": "Podcast"
},
"source": "The California Report ",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrarchive/",
"audioUrl": "https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/KQINC6965166134.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097260",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12097260/the-santa-cruz-recovery-group-helping-fire-victims-rebuild-their-homes",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Friday, August 28, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>It’s been six years since the CZU fire burned nearly 700 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Less than a third of those have been rebuilt. KAZU’s Erin Malsbury reports on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">one recent success story\u003c/a>. The Santa Cruz County Long Term \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Recovery Group\u003c/a> is a local nonprofit helping fire victims rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Palm Springs is the latest city to approve\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\"> a temporary ban \u003c/a>on large-scale data centers… as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kvcrnews.org/local-news/2026-06-22/data-centers-face-backlash-across-california-as-residents-demand-more-transparency-around-their-impacts\">more communities across Southern California\u003c/a> consider their impacts on infrastructure and the environment.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>California Attorney General Rob \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">Bonta is responding to concerns\u003c/a> that the $17 billion dollar settlement deal he and other attorneys general just reached with Meta is too weak.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-24/recovery-group-finishes-first-full-rebuild-six-years-after-czu-fire\">Volunteer Work and Donations Leading to Reconstruction Below Market Rate\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tonia Weakland-Wilhelm lost her family home in the fire and says Covid supply chain issues—and now tariffs—have made rebuilding expensive.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ That’s part of why I almost gave up… I put all my insurance money into the pre-clearances, the septic, and geotechnical and stuff like that, and then it came to a point where I wasn’t gonna be able to do it,” says Weakland-Wilhelm. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She was about to put her land on the market when she learned about the \u003ca href=\"https://www.santacruzcountyca.gov/OR3/Recovery/LongTermRecoveryGroup.aspx\">Santa Cruz County Long Term Recovery Group\u003c/a>. The local nonprofit helped her rebuild from the ground up.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It made my life so much easier,” she says. “ I can’t even explain or put a number on the value of them doing all of the paperwork and everything for me, you know?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Executive director Tonje Switzer formed the long term recovery group after rebuilding her own home, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11873396/i-cant-abandon-this-community-months-after-czu-fires-survivors-struggle-to-rebuild\">which burned down in the CZU fire.\u003c/a> She still remembers the kindness of a neighbor whose house had not burned. He ran PVC pipes from his well to his neighbors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I just came back on my property one day, and I had water,” says Switzer. “And that is sort of the impetus of this, right? That community effort, the barn raising of it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That helped inspire the nonprofit, which works with people affected by fires and major storms. It’s the only group in the county doing that kind of case management.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They’re financially vetted and also vetted for vulnerabilities, and of course, to make sure that the damage to their homes is disaster related.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Switzer says because of careful groundwork, they have a high success rate. Volunteer work and donations keep the projects well-below market rate. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house would have cost around $700,000 dollars to rebuild, but the long term recovery group brought costs down to $250,000.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Still, Weakland-Wilhelm, like many homeowners, had to borrow. Switzer says the group is happy to talk to hesitant lenders.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp> “When Tonia presented the budget, they looked at her like, ‘What do you take us for? Nobody can build for that amount of money. It’s impossible to build what you’re proposing.’ “\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So the Recovery Group sat down with the bankers and explained what they do.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And with that, she was able to achieve a construction loan, to build the home to bridge that gap.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Most of their projects have been renovations. Weakland-Wilhelm’s house is the first the Long Term Recovery Group has completely rebuilt from architectural plans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Standing in the newly completed home, construction project manager Dylan Childs says the project would not have been possible without committed volunteers who spent weeks working on the foundation, framing, and walls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The dedication they have, the willingness to come out on this hill to do this hard work with me has just been tremendous, and I can’t thank them enough,” says Childs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He worked at Habitat for Humanity for years, and brought some of the volunteers—and traditions—over. That included a special gift for Weakland-Wilhelm’s house dedication.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“One of our volunteers was a high school wood shop teacher for a career. He made sure to build very detailed jewelry boxes for each homeowner, and we gifted them their keys inside the jewelry box,” Childs said. “John Reisdorf isn’t with us anymore. He made a few extra boxes. This one’s for you. Welcome home, Tonia.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Childs says the old growth redwood of the box was likely milled from some of the same trees as Weakland-Wilhelm’s original home. The new house also includes redwood from some of the trees cut after the fire. That was important to Weakland-Wilhelm.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I had to find someone to mill them, and that was an expense. But, you know, I’m so glad I did that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She says one of the best construction moments was raising the first wall with family and volunteers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ Hopefully this story will inspire people to keep persevering through their hardships and to support people that need it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As soon as she has final clearance from the county, Weakland-Wilhelm will move back in, along with her mother, who owned the land before her.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella Valley Towns Weigh the Costs of Data Centers, Vote on Bans\u003c/a> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://thepalmspringspost.com/palm-springs-joins-other-valley-cities-in-temporary-ban-on-data-centers/\">Palm Springs city council voted \u003c/a>to enact a 45-day pause on data center approvals. Officials say its city laws currently do not mention data centers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Councilwoman Grace Garner, who proposed the moratorium, says it will allow the city to study their impacts on jobs, infrastructure and the environment\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And as we’ve seen in other communities across the country, who have not had that happen, there are really huge detriments,” said Garner. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, \u003ca href=\"https://kvcr.org/news/local/2026-08-26/ie-latino-voices-ai-data-centers-and-environmental-justice-in-coachella\">Coachella’s city council\u003c/a> finalized its ban on data centers. Coachella Mayor Frank Figueroa says they acted on the will of the people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You guys made this happen. We are the policymakers fixing what we did wrong, and you told us that day in and day out.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coachella’s citywide ban is set to take place a month from now.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096647/why-metas-landmark-settlement-could-be-social-medias-big-tobacco-moment\">AG Bonta: “We have secured the changes we were after,” in Meta Settlement \u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Critics point out the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096821/meta-states-agree-to-17-billion-settlement-in-child-safety-trial\">billions in settlement money\u003c/a> is paid over ten years, and five billion of it is contingent on TikTok and YouTube agreeing to the same rules.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bonta says the price tag is still historic, but not what he considers the most important part of the settlement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The lead here is the injunctive relief, the changes that will be required of Meta … different business practices, different approaches, restrictions, and parameters that help reduce harm for kids. That’s really the headline,” said Bonta. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over the next six months, Meta will be required to institute a default daily time limit of two hours for users under 18, a nighttime block between midnight and 6 a.m. and a notification block overnight and during school hours. Those default settings can only be changed by a parent, and some would be expanded if other social media companies commit to similar terms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Their apps will also ban displaying the number of likes or reactions that users under 18 get on their posts, and ban image filters that imitate cosmetic procedures for those users. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bonta says he expects the owners of TikTok, YouTube and Snap to follow, if not the easy way, then through the courts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We expect that other members of the industry … will adhere to essentially a similar set of remedies and protections for kids,” Bonta said during a press conference on Wednesday morning. “Whether we do that through litigation, through conversation and resolution, is really up to the other members of the industry.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meta also committed to creating enhanced parent supervision tools, instituting more robust measures to detect users’ ages and bringing on an independent auditor “with expansive access to information and resources, regular reporting and the right to communicate concerns to the attorneys general.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097260/the-santa-cruz-recovery-group-helping-fire-victims-rebuild-their-homes",
"authors": [
"11834"
],
"programs": [
"news_72"
],
"categories": [
"news_8",
"news_33520"
],
"tags": [
"news_37040",
"news_30214",
"news_21998",
"news_21268",
"news_34684"
],
"featImg": "news_11880272",
"label": "source_news_12097260"
},
"news_12097092": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097092",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097092",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1787872083000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026",
"title": "Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away",
"publishDate": 1787872083,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "news"
},
"content": "\n\u003cp>Tourists are once more being urged to stay away from Big Sur as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">Highway 1 closed\u003c/a> Thursday afternoon amid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/timber-fire\">Timber Fire\u003c/a> — now the \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">third-largest\u003c/a> in the state this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After igniting earlier this month, the fire is still only 23% contained and has burned more than 19,000 acres of remote coastal terrain. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A second fire, named \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire/updates/79674372-a8ef-4d57-8c94-22f093f69ab7\">the Plaskett Fire\u003c/a>, broke out south of the Timber Fire in Monterey County around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. As of Thursday, this new fire is 50 acres and is 0% contained, prompting additional evacuations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire closures have ‘huge impact’ on businesses, locals\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary emergency shelter at \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/jD58jfurSmbyjGdG8\">Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room \u003c/a>in Carmel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tourists are once more being urged to stay away from Big Sur as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">Highway 1 closed\u003c/a> Thursday afternoon amid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/timber-fire\">Timber Fire\u003c/a> — now the \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">third-largest\u003c/a> in the state this year. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Tourists are once more being urged to stay away from Big Sur as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">Highway 1 closed\u003c/a> Thursday afternoon amid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/timber-fire\">Timber Fire\u003c/a> — now the \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">third-largest\u003c/a> in the state this year. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After igniting earlier this month, the fire is still only 23% contained and has burned more than 19,000 acres of remote coastal terrain. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After igniting earlier this month, the fire is still only 23% contained and has burned more than 19,000 acres of remote coastal terrain. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12094806,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A second fire, named \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire/updates/79674372-a8ef-4d57-8c94-22f093f69ab7\">the Plaskett Fire\u003c/a>, broke out south of the Timber Fire in Monterey County around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. As of Thursday, this new fire is 50 acres and is 0% contained, prompting additional evacuations.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>A second fire, named \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire/updates/79674372-a8ef-4d57-8c94-22f093f69ab7\">the Plaskett Fire\u003c/a>, broke out south of the Timber Fire in Monterey County around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. As of Thursday, this new fire is 50 acres and is 0% contained, prompting additional evacuations.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "‘Do not come to Big Sur’",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Jump straight to: I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Highway 1 is closed again",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Fire closures have ‘huge impact’ on businesses, locals",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire closures have ‘huge impact’ on businesses, locals\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire closures have ‘huge impact’ on businesses, locals\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "kqed-v2/related-articles",
"attrs": {
"postIds": [
"news_12096883"
],
"label": "Related Articles",
"maxPosts": 1,
"showImages": false,
"heroImage": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-2000x1333.jpg",
"query": "",
"labelWasCleared": false,
"heroImageAlt": "",
"heroImageLink": "",
"labelLink": "",
"alignment": "right",
"target": "_self",
"manualLinks": [],
"posts": []
},
"innerHTML": "",
"innerContent": [],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12094837,
"sizeSlug": "full",
"linkDestination": "none",
"alt": "",
"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary emergency shelter at \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/jD58jfurSmbyjGdG8\">Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room \u003c/a>in Carmel. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary emergency shelter at \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/jD58jfurSmbyjGdG8\">Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room \u003c/a>in Carmel. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates",
"Current California state park closures",
"See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates",
"Caltrans map of highway closures"
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
}
],
"excerpt": "“Do not come to Big Sur,” plead businesses as the Timber Fire — and the new Plaskett Fire — continue to grow, shutting down Highway 1 once again.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1787872384,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 31,
"wordCount": 1165
},
"headData": {
"title": "Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away | KQED",
"description": "“Do not come to Big Sur,” plead businesses as the Timber Fire — and the new Plaskett Fire — continue to grow, shutting down Highway 1 once again.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Highway 1 Closes Again as Big Sur Wildfires Grow, Tourists Urged to Stay Away",
"datePublished": "2026-08-27T16:08:03-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-27T16:13:04-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 34168,
"slug": "guides-and-explainers",
"name": "Guides and Explainers"
},
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097092",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/news/12097092/timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Tourists are once more being urged to stay away from Big Sur as \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12094533/big-sur-wildfire-map-evacuation-timber-fire-august-2026\">Highway 1 closed\u003c/a> Thursday afternoon amid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/timber-fire\">Timber Fire\u003c/a> — now the \u003ca href=\"https://next.kqed.org/news/12096883/timber-fire-now-third-largest-in-state-chp-announces-highway-1-closure\">third-largest\u003c/a> in the state this year. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After igniting earlier this month, the fire is still only 23% contained and has burned more than 19,000 acres of remote coastal terrain. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Warm, dry conditions and immediate danger to people and structures had started to wane last week. But new fire growth on Wednesday and “critical \u003ca href=\"https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/what-is-backburning/\">backburning\u003c/a> operations” — a burning technique used to remove fuels and stop forward progress of a fire — scheduled for Thursday have prompted Monterey County officials to implement new \u003ca href=\"https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency/alerts\">evacuation orders\u003c/a> on Thursday afternoon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-4-scaled-e1786481390761.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094806\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A view of flames and smoke as the Timber Fire continues in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Overnight, the Timber Fire pushed east and north deep into the Ventana Wilderness,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">a CalFire update\u003c/a> said. “Critical fire weather remains the primary driver of this fire.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A second fire, named \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/26/plaskett-fire/updates/79674372-a8ef-4d57-8c94-22f093f69ab7\">the Plaskett Fire\u003c/a>, broke out south of the Timber Fire in Monterey County around 11 a.m. on Wednesday. As of Thursday, this new fire is 50 acres and is 0% contained, prompting additional evacuations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Also on Thursday, the National Weather Service \u003ca href=\"https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=CAZ530&warncounty=CAC053&firewxzone=CAZ530&local_place1=2%20Miles%20SE%20Big%20Sur%20CA&product1=Red+Flag+Warning&lat=36.2529&lon=-121.7873\">issued a Red Flag Warning \u003c/a>in the region for Friday morning, anticipating lightning amid isolated thunderstorms and winds up to 50 miles per hour.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Lightning strikes may result in new fire ignitions,” the agency said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘Do not come to Big Sur’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This coastal stretch is home to many of Big Sur’s most popular hotels, restaurants and campgrounds, as well as state parks. Last week, some of those businesses had begun reopening and welcoming visitors back, like the \u003ca href=\"https://www.henrymiller.org/\">Henry Miller Memorial Library\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.phoenixshopbigsur.com/\">Nepenthe Restaurant.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#advice\">I have plans to visit Big Sur. What should I do?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But a social media post from the library on Wednesday alerted would-be visitors that they would be closing once again starting Thursday “until further notice.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Again, we implore you: Do not come to Big Sur,” the business \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DchPwPBkiSy/?hl=en\">wrote on Instagram.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Aengus Wagner, wine and service director for Nepenthe, said the restaurant had just reopened on Aug. 20 after being closed for 10 days during the initial outbreak of the Timber Fire. Now, they’re closing again at least through Sunday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s not fun to close a restaurant ever, let alone twice in a month,” Wagner said, “let alone that being your busiest month of the year when all your employees are collecting their acorns for the winter.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After reopening briefly, all state parks in Big Sur — \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582\">Andrew Molera\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=578\">Julia Pfeiffer Burns, \u003c/a>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=570\">Pfeiffer Big Sur \u003c/a>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=565\">Point Sur\u003c/a> state parks — are once again \u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">closed\u003c/a> due to the threat from the Timber Fire.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Stretches of the coast to the north and south of the mandatory evacuation zone are currently under \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11834901/fire-evacuation-what-actually-happens-and-how-can-you-plan\">evacuation warnings\u003c/a> — the step that comes before an evacuation order, which acts as a warning to residents that they may need to evacuate soon. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highway 1 is closed again\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Wednesday afternoon, \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1544014817765868&set=pb.100064720926577.-2207520000\">Monterey California Highway Patrol announced on Facebook\u003c/a> that Highway 1 through the area is closed starting at 1 p.m. on Thursday from just south of Andrew Molera State Park to the north and Deetjens Big Sur Inn to the south. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The status of Highway 1 has been changeable and unpredictable for drivers in the last month. After its initial closure in early August, the road reopened to drivers on Aug. 22.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re looking at alternative routes around Big Sur right now, bear in mind that the one narrow road connecting Big Sur south of Lucia to Highway 101 over the Santa Lucia mountains — \u003ca href=\"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nacimiento-Fergusson+Rd,+California/@35.9907059,-121.3662903,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x809296a8a7f9159b:0x70441b9f4863105b!8m2!3d35.9907059!4d-121.3637154!16s%2Fm%2F02rk30k!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDgwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D\">Nacimiento-Fergusson Road\u003c/a> — is notoriously steep and winding.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fire closures have ‘huge impact’ on businesses, locals\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner said employees at Nepenthe are “locking down the hatches and getting ready to head home,” after the abrupt announcement last night that the highway would close down again. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the closure is going to have a “huge impact” on the business, Wagner said given the near-constant back-and-forth of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12069761/californias-highway-1-fully-opens-through-big-sur-years-after-major-landslides\">openings and closures for years,\u003c/a> “we’re kind of professional at it now.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We have less than three hours to complete that to get home, to not be visible on the highway if we choose to stay,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is telling anyone considering staying behind to be “prepared to self-sustain for up to 7 days.” Wagner said many locals were processing the news at a vigil last night held for \u003ca href=\"https://www.montereycountynow.com/opinion/local_spin/three-people-are-killed-in-one-weekend-amid-dystopian-reality-of-car-week/article_e9614c2c-4c23-4246-aec6-8e41c5fa10a9.html\">a local killed on Highway 1 earlier this month\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“People had to make a quick decision,” he said. “My feeling is most people stay.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Wagner, who grew up in Big Sur and came back in 1991 to make it his full-time residence, said he’s watched fires burn on Mount Manuel near his home in both 2008 and 2016, and “now, I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “Unless the weather pattern changes dramatically, historically, the way this is moving, it’s just a big pain in the ass.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He said locals are grateful to the firefighting efforts that — so far — have meant no loss of buildings or life in the blaze. And they’re resilient, he said, given the past 10 years of fire and rain affecting Highway 1’s status.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tourists, on the other hand, he said, “have no idea.” Weddings are having to be relocated, and last week’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/events/monterey-car-week/\">Monterey Car Week\u003c/a> — an event which organizers say draws \u003ca href=\"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monterey-car-week--pebble-beach-concours-delegance-returns-august-716-2026-302839650.html\">100,000 people \u003c/a>every year — was “another huge debacle,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are open any chance we can,” he said. “We just remind [tourists]: we’ll be here.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"advice\">Advice for visitors to Big Sur right now\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you have existing plans to visit the Big Sur region, keep a close eye out for any email or voicemail notification from your hotel advising you of any cancellations — and your options. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re trying to get in contact with your accommodation yourself, bear in mind that the property may have been directly affected by the Timber Fire evacuations, and that cellphone service in the area is spotty.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094837\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/timber-fire-getty-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bulldozer helps battle the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on Aug. 10, 2026. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>See Monterey, the county’s tourism group, is \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">advising visitors\u003c/a> who are already in the affected areas of Big Sur to “follow evacuation instructions, take essential belongings and medications, and bring their pets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>According to See Monterey, several hotels throughout Monterey County are now also “offering evacuation rates for residents and visitors in need,” through \u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/resources/community-connection/\">a spreadsheet of available lodgings\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Monterey County has established a temporary emergency shelter at \u003ca href=\"https://maps.app.goo.gl/jD58jfurSmbyjGdG8\">Carmel Mission Inn Conference Room \u003c/a>in Carmel. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Big Sur Timber Fire links and resources\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">CalFire’s Timber Fire evacuation map and updates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30009\">Current California state park closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.seemonterey.com/plan-your-visit/travel-alert/\">See Monterey’s spreadsheet of hotel evacuation rates\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=36.3458%2C-121.8507%2C12&layers=full_closures%2Clane_closures%2Cspeed\">Caltrans map of highway closures\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097092/timber-fire-big-sur-highway-1-closed-again-wildfire-map-evacuation-august-2026",
"authors": [
"11956",
"3243"
],
"categories": [
"news_31795",
"news_34168",
"news_8"
],
"tags": [
"news_32707",
"news_5369",
"news_18538",
"news_35888",
"news_27626",
"news_36379",
"news_22456",
"news_566",
"news_1855",
"news_4463"
],
"featImg": "news_12097095",
"label": "news"
},
"news_12097001": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "news_12097001",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "12097001",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1787838721000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "can-california-farmers-produce-solar-energy-alongside-food",
"title": "Can California farmers produce solar energy alongside food?",
"publishDate": 1787838721,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Can California farmers produce solar energy alongside food? | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Thursday, August 27, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Water shortages, climate change and rising production costs are a few of the many challenges California agriculture has been facing in recent years. But researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt. It’s a relatively new approach called agrivoltaics.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The Timber Fire is approaching 20,000 acres as it moves deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>When it gets really hot, like right now in many parts of the state, emergency room visits spike. For the first time, though, new data is showing the effects on unhoused populations.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Many firefighters battling the Big Sur Timber Fire have befriended cuddly canines at their base camp on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/08/24/growing-food-and-power-on-the-same-land-california-researchers-test-agrivoltaics/\">\u003cstrong>Growing food and power on the same land: California researchers test agrivoltaics\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As California farmers face worsening drought, extreme heat and rising costs, the state is racing to expand solar energy infrastructure. But both agricultural production and solar harvesting depend on one increasingly scarce resource: land. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The approach, called agrivoltaics, combines farming below or alongside solar panels. Scientists are studying whether strategically placing panels could provide enough shade to help crops withstand some of the stresses of climate change — while also giving farmers another potential source of income. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At UC Davis, a proof-of-concept site is in its first year of operation and gives researchers a larger setting to test whether agrivoltaics can be applied to typical farms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-26/timber-fire-closes-most-of-ventana-wilderness-bill-would-protect-immigrant-service-providers\">\u003cstrong>Timber Fire moves deeper into Ventana Wilderness\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire has burned 17,817 acres and is 23% contained, as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s moving deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Carol Olson is executive director of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, which maintains backcountry trails. She says most of them are now closed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These closures could be expanded. They could last a very long time,” Olson said. “We’ve had some trails closed for years after a fire.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office added more evacuation orders on Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/unhoused-people-heat-illness-data\">\u003cstrong>Unhoused people are far more likely to get sick in the heat. Now there’s data to prove the risk\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Visits to the emergency room spike when it gets \u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/southern-california-forecast-heat-ramps-up-again\">really hot\u003c/a>, according to public health data. But for many years one of the populations most affected by extreme heat — the unhoused — have been left out of that data.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, we know this: Californians experiencing homelessness are 38% more likely to visit the emergency room because of extreme heat, despite accounting for less than half a percentage point of the total population.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-25/timber-fire-grows-into-wilderness-area-therapy-dogs-support-firefighters\">\u003cstrong>Therapy dogs support firefighters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For nearly a week, firefighters battling the Timber Fire have headed back to their Marina base camp and found support from therapy dogs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ There’s just something about having that animal that has unconditional love,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira. He says the endorphin release that comes from interacting with these dogs has been a huge benefit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And you’re watching pretty gruff firefighters that have been up all night fighting fire, have every interaction from coming to their knees and just loving on the dog [to] crying.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://firstrespondertherapydogs.org/about\">First Responder Therapy Dogs\u003c/a> provides the animals. Silveira says many of the handlers are retired first responders.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Thursday, August 27, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Thursday, August 27, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/list",
"attrs": {
"items": [
"Water shortages, climate change and rising production costs are a few of the many challenges California agriculture has been facing in recent years. But researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt. It’s a relatively new approach called agrivoltaics.",
"The Timber Fire is approaching 20,000 acres as it moves deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.",
"When it gets really hot, like right now in many parts of the state, emergency room visits spike. For the first time, though, new data is showing the effects on unhoused populations.",
"Many firefighters battling the Big Sur Timber Fire have befriended cuddly canines at their base camp on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus."
],
"ordered": false,
"values": ""
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\u003c/ul>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": [
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Water shortages, climate change and rising production costs are a few of the many challenges California agriculture has been facing in recent years. But researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt. It’s a relatively new approach called agrivoltaics.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Water shortages, climate change and rising production costs are a few of the many challenges California agriculture has been facing in recent years. But researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt. It’s a relatively new approach called agrivoltaics.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>The Timber Fire is approaching 20,000 acres as it moves deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>The Timber Fire is approaching 20,000 acres as it moves deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>When it gets really hot, like right now in many parts of the state, emergency room visits spike. For the first time, though, new data is showing the effects on unhoused populations.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>When it gets really hot, like right now in many parts of the state, emergency room visits spike. For the first time, though, new data is showing the effects on unhoused populations.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Many firefighters battling the Big Sur Timber Fire have befriended cuddly canines at their base camp on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Many firefighters battling the Big Sur Timber Fire have befriended cuddly canines at their base camp on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus.\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Growing food and power on the same land: California researchers test agrivoltaics",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/08/24/growing-food-and-power-on-the-same-land-california-researchers-test-agrivoltaics/\">\u003cstrong>Growing food and power on the same land: California researchers test agrivoltaics\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/08/24/growing-food-and-power-on-the-same-land-california-researchers-test-agrivoltaics/\">\u003cstrong>Growing food and power on the same land: California researchers test agrivoltaics\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As California farmers face worsening drought, extreme heat and rising costs, the state is racing to expand solar energy infrastructure. But both agricultural production and solar harvesting depend on one increasingly scarce resource: land. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As California farmers face worsening drought, extreme heat and rising costs, the state is racing to expand solar energy infrastructure. But both agricultural production and solar harvesting depend on one increasingly scarce resource: land. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The approach, called agrivoltaics, combines farming below or alongside solar panels. Scientists are studying whether strategically placing panels could provide enough shade to help crops withstand some of the stresses of climate change — while also giving farmers another potential source of income. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The approach, called agrivoltaics, combines farming below or alongside solar panels. Scientists are studying whether strategically placing panels could provide enough shade to help crops withstand some of the stresses of climate change — while also giving farmers another potential source of income. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At UC Davis, a proof-of-concept site is in its first year of operation and gives researchers a larger setting to test whether agrivoltaics can be applied to typical farms.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>At UC Davis, a proof-of-concept site is in its first year of operation and gives researchers a larger setting to test whether agrivoltaics can be applied to typical farms.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Timber Fire moves deeper into Ventana Wilderness ",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-26/timber-fire-closes-most-of-ventana-wilderness-bill-would-protect-immigrant-service-providers\">\u003cstrong>Timber Fire moves deeper into Ventana Wilderness\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-26/timber-fire-closes-most-of-ventana-wilderness-bill-would-protect-immigrant-service-providers\">\u003cstrong>Timber Fire moves deeper into Ventana Wilderness\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire has burned 17,817 acres and is 23% contained, as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire has burned 17,817 acres and is 23% contained, as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s moving deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s moving deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Carol Olson is executive director of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, which maintains backcountry trails. She says most of them are now closed.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Carol Olson is executive director of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, which maintains backcountry trails. She says most of them are now closed.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“These closures could be expanded. They could last a very long time,” Olson said. “We’ve had some trails closed for years after a fire.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“These closures could be expanded. They could last a very long time,” Olson said. “We’ve had some trails closed for years after a fire.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office added more evacuation orders on Monday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office added more evacuation orders on Monday.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Unhoused people are far more likely to get sick in the heat. Now there’s data to prove the risk",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/unhoused-people-heat-illness-data\">\u003cstrong>Unhoused people are far more likely to get sick in the heat. Now there’s data to prove the risk\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/unhoused-people-heat-illness-data\">\u003cstrong>Unhoused people are far more likely to get sick in the heat. Now there’s data to prove the risk\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Visits to the emergency room spike when it gets \u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/southern-california-forecast-heat-ramps-up-again\">really hot\u003c/a>, according to public health data. But for many years one of the populations most affected by extreme heat — the unhoused — have been left out of that data.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Visits to the emergency room spike when it gets \u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/southern-california-forecast-heat-ramps-up-again\">really hot\u003c/a>, according to public health data. But for many years one of the populations most affected by extreme heat — the unhoused — have been left out of that data.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Now, we know this: Californians experiencing homelessness are 38% more likely to visit the emergency room because of extreme heat, despite accounting for less than half a percentage point of the total population.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Now, we know this: Californians experiencing homelessness are 38% more likely to visit the emergency room because of extreme heat, despite accounting for less than half a percentage point of the total population.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Therapy dogs support firefighters",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-25/timber-fire-grows-into-wilderness-area-therapy-dogs-support-firefighters\">\u003cstrong>Therapy dogs support firefighters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-25/timber-fire-grows-into-wilderness-area-therapy-dogs-support-firefighters\">\u003cstrong>Therapy dogs support firefighters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For nearly a week, firefighters battling the Timber Fire have headed back to their Marina base camp and found support from therapy dogs. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For nearly a week, firefighters battling the Timber Fire have headed back to their Marina base camp and found support from therapy dogs. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ There’s just something about having that animal that has unconditional love,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira. He says the endorphin release that comes from interacting with these dogs has been a huge benefit. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“ There’s just something about having that animal that has unconditional love,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira. He says the endorphin release that comes from interacting with these dogs has been a huge benefit. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“And you’re watching pretty gruff firefighters that have been up all night fighting fire, have every interaction from coming to their knees and just loving on the dog [to] crying.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“And you’re watching pretty gruff firefighters that have been up all night fighting fire, have every interaction from coming to their knees and just loving on the dog [to] crying.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://firstrespondertherapydogs.org/about\">First Responder Therapy Dogs\u003c/a> provides the animals. Silveira says many of the handlers are retired first responders.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://firstrespondertherapydogs.org/about\">First Responder Therapy Dogs\u003c/a> provides the animals. Silveira says many of the handlers are retired first responders.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
}
],
"excerpt": null,
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1787940043,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 16,
"wordCount": 585
},
"headData": {
"title": "Can California farmers produce solar energy alongside food? | KQED",
"description": "Here are the morning's top stories on Thursday, August 27, 2026 Growing food and power on the same land: California researchers test agrivoltaics As California farmers face worsening drought, extreme heat and rising costs, the state is racing to expand solar energy infrastructure. But both agricultural production and solar harvesting depend on one increasingly scarce resource: land. Researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt. The approach, called agrivoltaics, combines farming below or alongside solar panels. Scientists are studying whether strategically placing panels could provide enough shade to help crops withstand",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "NewsArticle",
"headline": "Can California farmers produce solar energy alongside food?",
"datePublished": "2026-08-27T06:52:01-07:00",
"dateModified": "2026-08-28T11:00:43-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"isAccessibleForFree": "True",
"publisher": {
"@type": "NewsMediaOrganization",
"@id": "https://www.kqed.org/#organization",
"name": "KQED",
"logo": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"url": "https://www.kqed.org",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/KQED",
"https://twitter.com/KQED",
"https://www.instagram.com/kqed/",
"https://www.tiktok.com/@kqedofficial",
"https://www.linkedin.com/company/kqed",
"https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeC0IOo7i1P_61zVUWbJ4nw"
]
}
}
},
"primaryCategory": {
"termId": 33520,
"slug": "podcast",
"name": "Podcast"
},
"source": "The California Report",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrarchive/",
"audioUrl": "https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/traffic.megaphone.fm/KQINC9564712635.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"nprStoryId": "kqed-12097001",
"templateType": "audio",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "1",
"path": "/news/12097001/can-california-farmers-produce-solar-energy-alongside-food",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Here are the morning’s top stories on Thursday, August 27, 2026\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Water shortages, climate change and rising production costs are a few of the many challenges California agriculture has been facing in recent years. But researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt. It’s a relatively new approach called agrivoltaics.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The Timber Fire is approaching 20,000 acres as it moves deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>When it gets really hot, like right now in many parts of the state, emergency room visits spike. For the first time, though, new data is showing the effects on unhoused populations.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Many firefighters battling the Big Sur Timber Fire have befriended cuddly canines at their base camp on the Cal State Monterey Bay campus.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/08/24/growing-food-and-power-on-the-same-land-california-researchers-test-agrivoltaics/\">\u003cstrong>Growing food and power on the same land: California researchers test agrivoltaics\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As California farmers face worsening drought, extreme heat and rising costs, the state is racing to expand solar energy infrastructure. But both agricultural production and solar harvesting depend on one increasingly scarce resource: land. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Researchers at UC Davis are looking at whether combining farming and solar energy could help farmers adapt.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The approach, called agrivoltaics, combines farming below or alongside solar panels. Scientists are studying whether strategically placing panels could provide enough shade to help crops withstand some of the stresses of climate change — while also giving farmers another potential source of income. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At UC Davis, a proof-of-concept site is in its first year of operation and gives researchers a larger setting to test whether agrivoltaics can be applied to typical farms.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-26/timber-fire-closes-most-of-ventana-wilderness-bill-would-protect-immigrant-service-providers\">\u003cstrong>Timber Fire moves deeper into Ventana Wilderness\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong> \u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Timber Fire has burned 17,817 acres and is 23% contained, as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/8/timber-fire\">Cal Fire\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s moving deeper into the Ventana Wilderness.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Carol Olson is executive director of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance, which maintains backcountry trails. She says most of them are now closed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“These closures could be expanded. They could last a very long time,” Olson said. “We’ve had some trails closed for years after a fire.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office added more evacuation orders on Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/unhoused-people-heat-illness-data\">\u003cstrong>Unhoused people are far more likely to get sick in the heat. Now there’s data to prove the risk\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Visits to the emergency room spike when it gets \u003ca href=\"https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/southern-california-forecast-heat-ramps-up-again\">really hot\u003c/a>, according to public health data. But for many years one of the populations most affected by extreme heat — the unhoused — have been left out of that data.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Now, we know this: Californians experiencing homelessness are 38% more likely to visit the emergency room because of extreme heat, despite accounting for less than half a percentage point of the total population.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kazu.org/kazu-news/2026-08-25/timber-fire-grows-into-wilderness-area-therapy-dogs-support-firefighters\">\u003cstrong>Therapy dogs support firefighters\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For nearly a week, firefighters battling the Timber Fire have headed back to their Marina base camp and found support from therapy dogs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ There’s just something about having that animal that has unconditional love,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Josh Silveira. He says the endorphin release that comes from interacting with these dogs has been a huge benefit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“And you’re watching pretty gruff firefighters that have been up all night fighting fire, have every interaction from coming to their knees and just loving on the dog [to] crying.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The nonprofit \u003ca href=\"https://firstrespondertherapydogs.org/about\">First Responder Therapy Dogs\u003c/a> provides the animals. Silveira says many of the handlers are retired first responders.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/news/12097001/can-california-farmers-produce-solar-energy-alongside-food",
"authors": [
"11842"
],
"programs": [
"news_72"
],
"categories": [
"news_33520"
],
"tags": [
"news_255",
"news_37378",
"news_333",
"news_21998",
"news_21268",
"news_4463"
],
"featImg": "news_12097002",
"label": "source_news_12097001"
},
"science_1943266": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1943266",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1943266",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1560364207000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1560364207,
"format": "image",
"title": "One Potential Solution to Deadly Fires in the Wilderness: Don't Build There",
"headTitle": "One Potential Solution to Deadly Fires in the Wilderness: Don’t Build There | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>As the riskiest areas for wildfire expand, Californians keep pouring into them. By midcentury, builders \u003ca href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837714001409\">may add\u003c/a> as many as 1.2 million new homes in geographic areas most at risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a contradiction, and the state’s showing no signs of resolving it. Almost as incendiary as wildfire itself is the idea that we shouldn’t build — or in many cases rebuild — because of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"right\" size=\"small\" citation=\"Kurt Henke, retired Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District chief\"]‘Are there areas that shouldn’t be built? Absolutely. If the last two or three years doesn’t change it, what more do they need to see?’[/pullquote]Even as California demands \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1941685/this-california-neighborhood-was-built-to-survive-a-wildfire-and-it-worked\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hardened homes\u003c/a> through tougher building codes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1943058/whos-checking-homes-for-flammable-brush-in-some-high-risk-areas-maybe-no-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">struggles\u003c/a> with enforcing existing requirements for defensible space, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1942547/in-the-age-of-the-crazy-fast-fire-a-good-evacuation-plan-may-not-be-enough\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">begins to consider\u003c/a> the role of evacuation routes in community safety, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1942299/onetime-enemies-over-logging-are-now-a-community-to-prevent-wildfire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reconsiders\u003c/a> its relationship with the forests and grasslands where people spark fires, the hardest question remains unspoken.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Should California communities retreat from the growing risk of fire?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Retreat seems to grate on the American psyche; we don’t like to go backwards,” said Nicholas Pinter, a geology professor at UC Davis who \u003ca href=\"https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/small-towns-big-flood-waters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">studies\u003c/a> repeat flooding, another natural hazard whose frequency is affected by human behavior and climate change.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"small\"]\u003ca href=\"mailto:mpeterson@kqed.org\">Contact Molly Peterson\u003c/a>[/pullquote]While California has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1917374/map-see-if-you-live-in-a-high-risk-fire-zone-and-what-that-means\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mapped\u003c/a> fire risk and boosted scrutiny of local fire response in \u003ca href=\"http://opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general plans\u003c/a>, the road maps for development that officials use, nothing prevents local communities from rebuilding in places that have burned over and over, like Paradise in Butte County, and Fountaingrove in the city of Santa Rosa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some experts say the state’s land use and planning practices demand reconsideration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s mature and it’s a mark of intelligence that we can actually say … let’s do this better, let’s do it radically different, different enough that this isn’t actually that big a problem anymore,” said Max Moritz, a cooperative extension fire specialist at UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Our Vulnerabilities Are Our Choices\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ninety percent of buildings in Paradise burned down. Established in the Sierra Nevada foothills in the 1800s, the town grew in the 20th century without much in the way of zoning or planning for fire risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943271\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 425px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1943271\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"319\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Claire Gottsdanker lost her home in Santa Barbara County’s Tea Fire. Immediately after a fire is a ‘terrible time to make a decision,’ about rebuilding, she said. \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That’s normal for California. No codified guidance tells communities where and how to build to reduce the threat from natural disasters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state’s recently updated building codes do minimize hazards in the “building envelope,” the outer elements in the structure itself. To aid in fighting fires, the state also \u003ca href=\"https://www.caloes.ca.gov/HazardMitigationSite/Documents/011-2018%20SHMP_FINAL_Ch%208.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requires\u003c/a> water supplies and certain features related to road access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But some planners now say these mitigation efforts aren’t enough to guarantee the safety of new development. Pete Parkinson, who lost a home in Santa Rosa and has led planning departments in Napa, Sonoma and Santa Cruz counties before retiring, sounded an alarm last fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I cannot recall any development project that was denied, or where the density was substantially reduced, because of known wildfire hazards,” he \u003ca href=\"http://winewaterwatch.org/wp1/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PParkinson-AICP-We-Planned-We-Were-Wrong.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wrote\u003c/a> in a regional newsletter for the American Planning Association. “The fire hazards in some areas of our state are simply too great to allow additional residential development.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Max Moritz has talked to local planners and fire officials who sign off on developments and recognize weaknesses in the current system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They don’t have the authority to do what they know is right, and so they have to let some of these developments proceed without being able to say anything about how it could be done better,” he said. “From the people I’ve talked to, I know that that’s hard to sleep with really, when you play that out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='science_1941376,science_1943058'] [/aside]Since January, the state has made counties consult with fire officials on planning, but it’s not clear how much that will affect decisions. Under a law passed last year, counties with very high risk fire severity zones and state responsibility areas must submit the safety elements of their general plans to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection for review. If counties don’t incorporate the fire marshall’s recommendations, they \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB2911\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">must meet\u003c/a> with officials from the board, but the law provides no penalties or substantive requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California produces several maps that include information potentially useful to planning, but none includes guidance about how planners might use them, says Moritz. Cal Fire has \u003ca href=\"http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_prevention/fire_prevention_wildland_zones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maps\u003c/a> on fire hazard severity zones and has analyzed \u003ca href=\"http://frap.fire.ca.gov/projects/fireprobability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fire probability\u003c/a>; the California Public Utilities Commission has created fire threat \u003ca href=\"http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/firethreatmaps/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maps\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Moritz says these maps focus on just parts of what makes up fire risk. That risk, he says, is a calculation based both on hazards — the steepness of canyons and the dryness of vegetation — and on vulnerabilities — the systems that communities build to cope with the hazards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So whether San Diego County is waiving requirements for multiple roads in and out of a new development next to the steep canyons of \u003ca href=\"https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/urban/pdfs/San-Diego-BoS-Wildfire-Comment-Letter.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Harmony Grove\u003c/a>, or Los Angeles County is approving thousands of new homes in the fire-prone grasslands of \u003ca href=\"https://finance.yahoo.com/news/statement-tejon-ranch-co-regarding-214500538.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Centennial at Tejon Ranch\u003c/a>, our vulnerabilities — our choices, really — aren’t on any map.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/Peterson2wayWildfireRetreat.mp3\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Limits on Rebuilding?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Politicians would have to act if counties are to set limits on where developers build, or the state is to set limits on what counties could permit. But elected officials are rarely caught talking about such limits in the wild. Instead, we rely on retired fire officials to speak truth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Are there areas that shouldn’t be built? Absolutely,” said Kurt Henke, who retired as chief from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District after a 35-year career. “If the last two or three years doesn’t change it, what more do they need to see?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943274\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-complete_open_graph wp-image-1943274\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Former city of Santa Barbara fire chief Pat McElroy. ‘Hoping it doesn’t happen again isn’t a strategy.’ \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fire officials stress that public safety isn’t just the work of first responders. In planning, though, safety concerns compete with the need for both housing and the local property taxes that fund essential services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Local control over planning and development is sacrosanct in California. But one fire-safety argument is that the state could take some of that authority over land use back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On his way into retirement last December, Cal Fire chief Ken Pimlott \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/d2f76432db1749d4918e55624a47c654\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">told AP\u003c/a> that the state must consider prohibiting building in wildfire-prone areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hours into his new job in January, Gov. Gavin Newsom was in Colfax, standing with Placer County supervisors and Auburn mayor Cheryl Maki, as he \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOES/videos/1808489912589772/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">was asked\u003c/a> about Pimlott’s remarks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom turned to face the local officials as he said he recognized the stresses they face in permitting development in the wildland-urban interface.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The last thing you want is, you know, some guy in Sacramento there telling you what to do in Auburn,” Newsom said. “That said, if, you know, there’s a point where common sense … is not in evidence, maybe we can lean in a little, and encourage and incentivize better behavior.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the U.S., the Constitution prevents government taking of private property without compensation. But natural hazards change the value of compensation all of the time, and limits on zoning or development can occur. While it’s very rare that a public official will propose an outright ban on rebuilding after a fire, it does happen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2017, a fire that sparked in a Los Angeles County homeless camp wrapped the hills around the 405 freeway in flames. After that blaze, called the Skirball Fire, and the neighboring Rye and Creek Fires, the longtime head of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Joe Edmiston, \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rebuilding-in-hazard-zones-20171216-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">spoke to the Los Angeles Times\u003c/a> about scorched properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think two strikes is enough and they ought to be bought out,” he said. It wasn’t the first time he had floated the idea — 24 years earlier, after another fire, he \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-wildfire-rebuild-20181124-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">called for\u003c/a> a “three strikes” rule, under which homeowners could obtain recovery funds for no more than three disasters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Edmiston is now part of a task force evaluating local response to the 2017 Woolsey Fire, which killed three people and destroyed 1,500 buildings. A spokeswoman for the conservancy said Edmiston wouldn’t comment further on planning and rebuilding until that work is complete.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Montecito: Redefining Resilience\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In January of last year, heavy rain let loose a punch: Mud and water poured down from the Santa Ynez mountains into Montecito, a town of about 9,000 people in Santa Barbara County. Former Santa Barbara City fire chief Pat McElroy says the debris flow slapped the bark off sycamore trees and bowled sandstone rocks the size of SUVs into houses. Twenty-three people died as the Thomas fire still burned in backcountry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That fire was the county’s fifth in a decade. McElroy counts a cumulative toll from those years, from the 2007 Zaca Fire, the Tea and Gap Fires in 2008, the 2009 Jesusita Fire, and the Thomas in 2017. “It was a really shattering experience,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now Montecito residents want to redefine resilience, by boosting physical protections against the cycle of fire, mud, repeat. McElroy helped found the Partnership for Resilient Communities, and people in the wealthy town have privately raised nearly $5 million to pay for six steel hoop retention nets that could slow the destructive crush of mud and debris that fire can cause.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943283\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1943283 size-large\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-1020x655.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"411\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-1020x655.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-800x514.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-768x493.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-1200x771.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crews stretch a mesh of steel hoops like chain mail across San Ysidro Creek in Montecito. The nets won’t block all debris that rain after a fire can release, but will slow it down.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In early May, a helicopter hovered over San Ysidro Creek dangling a long mesh net of rings. Across the creek canyon, crews stood on wires stretched like tightropes, 70 feet across. The workers linked the mesh to the wires where they stood, then pulled the rings taut, like chainmail. These nets won’t stop debris rolling down the creek, but they will slow it down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hoping it doesn’t happen again isn’t a strategy,” McElroy said, beaming as the operation unfolded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Others in Montecito wonder whether county planning practices need an even more radical shift.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ten years ago, Santa Barbara County’s Tea Fire stole Claire Gottsdanker’s home, burning it to the ground as she watched.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gottsdanker, a landscape designer, says she was one of the first people in Montecito to pull a permit to rebuild.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She rebuilt quickly. But the trauma clung to her. Three years after the Tea Fire, she had a stroke.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All of that was on her mind a decade later, immediately after the Thomas Fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s a terrible time to make a decision,” Gottsdanker said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After seeing the impacts of the Thomas Fire, she says, she wouldn’t want to rebuild again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Santa Barbara County’s flood control district made it clear that everyone who wanted to could rebuild. As a member of the Montecito Board of Architectural Review, Gottsdanker was one of the first to review plans for one property along Montecito Creek, another canyon creek pounded by mudflows. In a public hearing, she asked the homeowner why she would want to do that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Here she was getting her house reviewed and she can’t even get to it,” said Gottsdanker. “The county issued these … permits really fast. And I’m going, slow down, having been there 10 years ago, you need to slow down.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The architectural review board and the planning board approved the project. No construction has begun; the once-verdant site remains brown and scrubby, with a camper tucked under a massive tree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Window of Opportunity, But Short-Lived\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When Ryan Miller was growing up in the heart of Paradise, he thought of fire as something that happened to other people, on the edge of town. His family hadn’t moved to the Butte County town seeking a wildland experience. Rather, they were like a lot of his neighbors, wanting to be close to jobs in Chico: people who were “priced out,” he said, of the urban center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, Miller’s a UC Davis Ph.D. student whose work focuses in part on natural hazards and how they impact housing disparity. His childhood home was one of thousands burned to the ground during the Camp Fire, and his mother has moved 30 miles away; she isn’t sure yet whether she will return.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Miller worries that people in his community will feel pressured socially and economically into rebuilding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s this growing sense that, you know, your duty is to go back and be resilient and go back to Paradise,” he said. “So I think we need to be more comfortable with the word ‘retreat.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Focusing on rebuilding is a narrow idea about community resilience after a wildfire. UC Davis geology professor Nicholas Pinter suggests a broader approach, with every question put on the table.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pinter studies repeat flooding and how communities respond to it, including by “managed retreat” — a term used often in the context of flood and sea level rise to describe backing away from a natural hazard. But he says maybe retreat isn’t the right word to encourage people to think differently about their risk, and to rely less on engineered mitigations that can often fail. Instead, California could think about heading toward a better understanding of resilience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we’re really talking about is fixing these old planning errors, moving people to a more appropriate location, and balancing human occupation of the landscape with the hazards that exist out there,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Flood risk and fire risk are very different, but Pinter says in both contexts the time after the disaster is a crucial one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There really is this short-lived window of opportunity following a major natural disaster to have some sort of transformative change, to make things different afterwards,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After California’s fires last year, that window is open. But for how long is anybody’s guess.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": true,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 2506,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 62
},
"modified": 1704848603,
"excerpt": "Almost as incendiary as wildfire itself is the idea that we shouldn’t build — or in many cases rebuild — because of it. But some people are beginning to speak out that retreating from the 'Wildland-Urban Interface' needs to be on the table.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "Almost as incendiary as wildfire itself is the idea that we shouldn’t build — or in many cases rebuild — because of it. But some people are beginning to speak out that retreating from the 'Wildland-Urban Interface' needs to be on the table.",
"title": "One Potential Solution to Deadly Fires in the Wilderness: Don't Build There | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "One Potential Solution to Deadly Fires in the Wilderness: Don't Build There",
"datePublished": "2019-06-12T11:30:07-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-01-09T17:03:23-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "one-potential-solution-to-fires-in-the-wilderness-dont-build-there",
"status": "publish",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/PetersonQuestionOfRetreat.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"audioTrackLength": 426,
"source": "Living With Wildfire",
"path": "/science/1943266/one-potential-solution-to-fires-in-the-wilderness-dont-build-there",
"audioDuration": 426000,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>As the riskiest areas for wildfire expand, Californians keep pouring into them. By midcentury, builders \u003ca href=\"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264837714001409\">may add\u003c/a> as many as 1.2 million new homes in geographic areas most at risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s a contradiction, and the state’s showing no signs of resolving it. Almost as incendiary as wildfire itself is the idea that we shouldn’t build — or in many cases rebuild — because of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘Are there areas that shouldn’t be built? Absolutely. If the last two or three years doesn’t change it, what more do they need to see?’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "right",
"size": "small",
"citation": "Kurt Henke, retired Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District chief",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Even as California demands \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1941685/this-california-neighborhood-was-built-to-survive-a-wildfire-and-it-worked\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hardened homes\u003c/a> through tougher building codes, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1943058/whos-checking-homes-for-flammable-brush-in-some-high-risk-areas-maybe-no-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">struggles\u003c/a> with enforcing existing requirements for defensible space, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1942547/in-the-age-of-the-crazy-fast-fire-a-good-evacuation-plan-may-not-be-enough\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">begins to consider\u003c/a> the role of evacuation routes in community safety, and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1942299/onetime-enemies-over-logging-are-now-a-community-to-prevent-wildfire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reconsiders\u003c/a> its relationship with the forests and grasslands where people spark fires, the hardest question remains unspoken.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Should California communities retreat from the growing risk of fire?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Retreat seems to grate on the American psyche; we don’t like to go backwards,” said Nicholas Pinter, a geology professor at UC Davis who \u003ca href=\"https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/small-towns-big-flood-waters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">studies\u003c/a> repeat flooding, another natural hazard whose frequency is affected by human behavior and climate change.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "\u003ca href=\"mailto:mpeterson@kqed.org\">Contact Molly Peterson\u003c/a>",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "small",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>While California has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1917374/map-see-if-you-live-in-a-high-risk-fire-zone-and-what-that-means\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">mapped\u003c/a> fire risk and boosted scrutiny of local fire response in \u003ca href=\"http://opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general plans\u003c/a>, the road maps for development that officials use, nothing prevents local communities from rebuilding in places that have burned over and over, like Paradise in Butte County, and Fountaingrove in the city of Santa Rosa.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some experts say the state’s land use and planning practices demand reconsideration.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s mature and it’s a mark of intelligence that we can actually say … let’s do this better, let’s do it radically different, different enough that this isn’t actually that big a problem anymore,” said Max Moritz, a cooperative extension fire specialist at UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Our Vulnerabilities Are Our Choices\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ninety percent of buildings in Paradise burned down. Established in the Sierra Nevada foothills in the 1800s, the town grew in the 20th century without much in the way of zoning or planning for fire risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943271\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 425px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1943271\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"319\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/RS37628_IMG_6088-qut.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Claire Gottsdanker lost her home in Santa Barbara County’s Tea Fire. Immediately after a fire is a ‘terrible time to make a decision,’ about rebuilding, she said. \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>That’s normal for California. No codified guidance tells communities where and how to build to reduce the threat from natural disasters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The state’s recently updated building codes do minimize hazards in the “building envelope,” the outer elements in the structure itself. To aid in fighting fires, the state also \u003ca href=\"https://www.caloes.ca.gov/HazardMitigationSite/Documents/011-2018%20SHMP_FINAL_Ch%208.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requires\u003c/a> water supplies and certain features related to road access.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But some planners now say these mitigation efforts aren’t enough to guarantee the safety of new development. Pete Parkinson, who lost a home in Santa Rosa and has led planning departments in Napa, Sonoma and Santa Cruz counties before retiring, sounded an alarm last fall.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I cannot recall any development project that was denied, or where the density was substantially reduced, because of known wildfire hazards,” he \u003ca href=\"http://winewaterwatch.org/wp1/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PParkinson-AICP-We-Planned-We-Were-Wrong.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wrote\u003c/a> in a regional newsletter for the American Planning Association. “The fire hazards in some areas of our state are simply too great to allow additional residential development.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Max Moritz has talked to local planners and fire officials who sign off on developments and recognize weaknesses in the current system.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They don’t have the authority to do what they know is right, and so they have to let some of these developments proceed without being able to say anything about how it could be done better,” he said. “From the people I’ve talked to, I know that that’s hard to sleep with really, when you play that out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": " ",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "science_1941376,science_1943058",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Since January, the state has made counties consult with fire officials on planning, but it’s not clear how much that will affect decisions. Under a law passed last year, counties with very high risk fire severity zones and state responsibility areas must submit the safety elements of their general plans to the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection for review. If counties don’t incorporate the fire marshall’s recommendations, they \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB2911\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">must meet\u003c/a> with officials from the board, but the law provides no penalties or substantive requirements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California produces several maps that include information potentially useful to planning, but none includes guidance about how planners might use them, says Moritz. Cal Fire has \u003ca href=\"http://www.fire.ca.gov/fire_prevention/fire_prevention_wildland_zones\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maps\u003c/a> on fire hazard severity zones and has analyzed \u003ca href=\"http://frap.fire.ca.gov/projects/fireprobability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fire probability\u003c/a>; the California Public Utilities Commission has created fire threat \u003ca href=\"http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/firethreatmaps/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">maps\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Moritz says these maps focus on just parts of what makes up fire risk. That risk, he says, is a calculation based both on hazards — the steepness of canyons and the dryness of vegetation — and on vulnerabilities — the systems that communities build to cope with the hazards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So whether San Diego County is waiving requirements for multiple roads in and out of a new development next to the steep canyons of \u003ca href=\"https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/urban/pdfs/San-Diego-BoS-Wildfire-Comment-Letter.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Harmony Grove\u003c/a>, or Los Angeles County is approving thousands of new homes in the fire-prone grasslands of \u003ca href=\"https://finance.yahoo.com/news/statement-tejon-ranch-co-regarding-214500538.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Centennial at Tejon Ranch\u003c/a>, our vulnerabilities — our choices, really — aren’t on any map.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "audioLink",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"src": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/Peterson2wayWildfireRetreat.mp3"
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Limits on Rebuilding?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Politicians would have to act if counties are to set limits on where developers build, or the state is to set limits on what counties could permit. But elected officials are rarely caught talking about such limits in the wild. Instead, we rely on retired fire officials to speak truth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Are there areas that shouldn’t be built? Absolutely,” said Kurt Henke, who retired as chief from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District after a 35-year career. “If the last two or three years doesn’t change it, what more do they need to see?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943274\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-complete_open_graph wp-image-1943274\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/California-Wildfire-Policies.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Former city of Santa Barbara fire chief Pat McElroy. ‘Hoping it doesn’t happen again isn’t a strategy.’ \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fire officials stress that public safety isn’t just the work of first responders. In planning, though, safety concerns compete with the need for both housing and the local property taxes that fund essential services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Local control over planning and development is sacrosanct in California. But one fire-safety argument is that the state could take some of that authority over land use back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On his way into retirement last December, Cal Fire chief Ken Pimlott \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/d2f76432db1749d4918e55624a47c654\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">told AP\u003c/a> that the state must consider prohibiting building in wildfire-prone areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Hours into his new job in January, Gov. Gavin Newsom was in Colfax, standing with Placer County supervisors and Auburn mayor Cheryl Maki, as he \u003ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOES/videos/1808489912589772/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">was asked\u003c/a> about Pimlott’s remarks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Newsom turned to face the local officials as he said he recognized the stresses they face in permitting development in the wildland-urban interface.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The last thing you want is, you know, some guy in Sacramento there telling you what to do in Auburn,” Newsom said. “That said, if, you know, there’s a point where common sense … is not in evidence, maybe we can lean in a little, and encourage and incentivize better behavior.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the U.S., the Constitution prevents government taking of private property without compensation. But natural hazards change the value of compensation all of the time, and limits on zoning or development can occur. While it’s very rare that a public official will propose an outright ban on rebuilding after a fire, it does happen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2017, a fire that sparked in a Los Angeles County homeless camp wrapped the hills around the 405 freeway in flames. After that blaze, called the Skirball Fire, and the neighboring Rye and Creek Fires, the longtime head of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Joe Edmiston, \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rebuilding-in-hazard-zones-20171216-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">spoke to the Los Angeles Times\u003c/a> about scorched properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think two strikes is enough and they ought to be bought out,” he said. It wasn’t the first time he had floated the idea — 24 years earlier, after another fire, he \u003ca href=\"https://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-wildfire-rebuild-20181124-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">called for\u003c/a> a “three strikes” rule, under which homeowners could obtain recovery funds for no more than three disasters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Edmiston is now part of a task force evaluating local response to the 2017 Woolsey Fire, which killed three people and destroyed 1,500 buildings. A spokeswoman for the conservancy said Edmiston wouldn’t comment further on planning and rebuilding until that work is complete.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Montecito: Redefining Resilience\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In January of last year, heavy rain let loose a punch: Mud and water poured down from the Santa Ynez mountains into Montecito, a town of about 9,000 people in Santa Barbara County. Former Santa Barbara City fire chief Pat McElroy says the debris flow slapped the bark off sycamore trees and bowled sandstone rocks the size of SUVs into houses. Twenty-three people died as the Thomas fire still burned in backcountry.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That fire was the county’s fifth in a decade. McElroy counts a cumulative toll from those years, from the 2007 Zaca Fire, the Tea and Gap Fires in 2008, the 2009 Jesusita Fire, and the Thomas in 2017. “It was a really shattering experience,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now Montecito residents want to redefine resilience, by boosting physical protections against the cycle of fire, mud, repeat. McElroy helped found the Partnership for Resilient Communities, and people in the wealthy town have privately raised nearly $5 million to pay for six steel hoop retention nets that could slow the destructive crush of mud and debris that fire can cause.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943283\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 640px\">\u003ca href=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1943283 size-large\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-1020x655.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"411\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-1020x655.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-160x103.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-800x514.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-768x493.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire-1200x771.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/San-Ysidro-mud-wildfire.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crews stretch a mesh of steel hoops like chain mail across San Ysidro Creek in Montecito. The nets won’t block all debris that rain after a fire can release, but will slow it down.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In early May, a helicopter hovered over San Ysidro Creek dangling a long mesh net of rings. Across the creek canyon, crews stood on wires stretched like tightropes, 70 feet across. The workers linked the mesh to the wires where they stood, then pulled the rings taut, like chainmail. These nets won’t stop debris rolling down the creek, but they will slow it down.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hoping it doesn’t happen again isn’t a strategy,” McElroy said, beaming as the operation unfolded.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Others in Montecito wonder whether county planning practices need an even more radical shift.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ten years ago, Santa Barbara County’s Tea Fire stole Claire Gottsdanker’s home, burning it to the ground as she watched.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Gottsdanker, a landscape designer, says she was one of the first people in Montecito to pull a permit to rebuild.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>She rebuilt quickly. But the trauma clung to her. Three years after the Tea Fire, she had a stroke.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>All of that was on her mind a decade later, immediately after the Thomas Fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s a terrible time to make a decision,” Gottsdanker said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After seeing the impacts of the Thomas Fire, she says, she wouldn’t want to rebuild again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Santa Barbara County’s flood control district made it clear that everyone who wanted to could rebuild. As a member of the Montecito Board of Architectural Review, Gottsdanker was one of the first to review plans for one property along Montecito Creek, another canyon creek pounded by mudflows. In a public hearing, she asked the homeowner why she would want to do that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Here she was getting her house reviewed and she can’t even get to it,” said Gottsdanker. “The county issued these … permits really fast. And I’m going, slow down, having been there 10 years ago, you need to slow down.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The architectural review board and the planning board approved the project. No construction has begun; the once-verdant site remains brown and scrubby, with a camper tucked under a massive tree.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Window of Opportunity, But Short-Lived\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When Ryan Miller was growing up in the heart of Paradise, he thought of fire as something that happened to other people, on the edge of town. His family hadn’t moved to the Butte County town seeking a wildland experience. Rather, they were like a lot of his neighbors, wanting to be close to jobs in Chico: people who were “priced out,” he said, of the urban center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, Miller’s a UC Davis Ph.D. student whose work focuses in part on natural hazards and how they impact housing disparity. His childhood home was one of thousands burned to the ground during the Camp Fire, and his mother has moved 30 miles away; she isn’t sure yet whether she will return.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Miller worries that people in his community will feel pressured socially and economically into rebuilding.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s this growing sense that, you know, your duty is to go back and be resilient and go back to Paradise,” he said. “So I think we need to be more comfortable with the word ‘retreat.’”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Focusing on rebuilding is a narrow idea about community resilience after a wildfire. UC Davis geology professor Nicholas Pinter suggests a broader approach, with every question put on the table.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pinter studies repeat flooding and how communities respond to it, including by “managed retreat” — a term used often in the context of flood and sea level rise to describe backing away from a natural hazard. But he says maybe retreat isn’t the right word to encourage people to think differently about their risk, and to rely less on engineered mitigations that can often fail. Instead, California could think about heading toward a better understanding of resilience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“What we’re really talking about is fixing these old planning errors, moving people to a more appropriate location, and balancing human occupation of the landscape with the hazards that exist out there,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Flood risk and fire risk are very different, but Pinter says in both contexts the time after the disaster is a crucial one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There really is this short-lived window of opportunity following a major natural disaster to have some sort of transformative change, to make things different afterwards,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After California’s fires last year, that window is open. But for how long is anybody’s guess.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1943266/one-potential-solution-to-fires-in-the-wilderness-dont-build-there",
"authors": [
"11223"
],
"categories": [
"science_40",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_3833",
"science_3988",
"science_113"
],
"featImg": "science_1943269",
"label": "source_science_1943266"
},
"science_1943180": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1943180",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1943180",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1560247208000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "increasingly-unavailable-and-unaffordable-home-insurance-threatened-amid-wildfire-crisis",
"title": "'Increasingly Unavailable and Unaffordable': Home Insurance Threatened Amid Wildfire Crisis",
"publishDate": 1560247208,
"format": "audio",
"headTitle": "‘Increasingly Unavailable and Unaffordable’: Home Insurance Threatened Amid Wildfire Crisis | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>David Bevacqua never had trouble insuring a home in California, but he was in for a rude surprise after recently buying a house in Bass Lake, in the Sierra Nevada foothills.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"right\" size=\"small\" citation=\"California homeowner David Bevacqua\"]‘I’m paying twice as much as I expected, and now I have to deal with three separate policies on this one house.’[/pullquote] “None of the insurance companies would quote me,” he said. “I didn’t know what was going on.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bevacqua is not alone. As more and more destructive wildfires have whipped through the state in recent years, Californians living in areas considered a high wildfire risk are seeing their insurance rates creep up \u003cem>—\u003c/em> or in cases like Bevacqua’s, having insurers simply pull out of some communities altogether.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Between 2015 and 2016 alone, according to the state insurance commissioner’s office, there was a 15 percent increase in “insurer initiated non-renewals” in fire-prone areas. That means homeowners wanted to keep their insurance but the companies refused to renew their policies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since Bevacqua couldn’t get a policy on the “admitted” market, where rates are regulated by the state, he ended up going with an alternative known as the FAIR Plan. Created in the 1960s, it’s a very limited, expensive option-of-last resort for consumers who cannot find insurance elsewhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m paying twice as much as I expected, and now I have to deal with three separate policies on this one house,” he said, referring to yet another policy he bought covering earthquakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ah, California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Stories like Bevacqua’s have caught the attention of policymakers in Sacramento, who have made a number of tweaks to laws governing personal property insurance in recent years, including legislation prohibiting insurers from canceling policies after a home burns down, and laws aimed at making sure people understand their policies and are not underinsured.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"right\" size=\"small\" citation=\"Mark Sektnan, American Property Casualty Insurance Association\"]‘Wildfire is the one catastrophe where you may take all the correct actions, but if none of your neighbors do, the effectiveness of your own mitigations are not as good.’[/pullquote]But more sweeping insurance reforms have died under pressure from the insurance industry, and as of yet, no one seems to be ready to completely overhaul the state’s insurance market. According to the industry, 98 percent of Californians with home insurance are still covered by the traditional, regulated market, with the other 2% using the FAIR Plan and other policies not regulated by the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The reason I hesitate about rethinking the entire insurance industry is that in California — despite these fires, despite the challenges — we have a robust market,” said California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “We still feel comfortable that our insurance market is strong and healthy enough to be able to pay out claims.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mark Sektnan, of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, agrees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Overall we still see the market as very competitive, very viable,” he said. “But we do understand that homeowners in certain areas may be facing challenges.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>‘Increasingly Unavailable and Unaffordable’\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California actually has some of the most consumer-friendly insurance laws in the nation, thanks to a 30-year-old ballot measure that set the rules still in effect today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='science_1943266,science_1943058'] [/aside]Those rules require insurance companies participating in the regulated market to base insurance rates on a customer’s individual level of risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while the state insurance commissioner must approve the amount insurers can charge, he can’t force them to offer insurance if they think the risk is too high.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those restrictions make sense, Lara said, to ensure that the insurance market stays financially healthy. So while he is concerned about the cost and availability of insurance in wildfire-prone areas, he said that basing prices on the level of risk that a home poses makes sense, even if it is driving up costs for those who are the most vulnerable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery, set up by the state Legislature and governor to study wildfire costs, agreed with Lara, warning that if California “artificially masks” expensive insurance in high-risk regions by subsidizing rates, it will incentivize risky behavior and make insurance more expensive for people in other parts of the state where wildfires are not a threat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, the commission’s recent report said that while “the home insurance market is not in crisis yet,” the state is “marching toward a future where home insurance will be increasingly unavailable and/or unaffordable” for Californians in high-risk fire areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The commission focused on areas known as the wildland urban interface, or WUI, which refers to regions where homes are built near forests or other wildlands threatened by wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In evaluating whether to subsidize homeowners insurance in the WUI, policymakers need to consider whether the state wants to encourage more people to move into the WUI,” the report states. “We believe doing so will lead to more deaths and injuries of both residents and first responders, destruction of property, loss of homes, more damages to be paid by utilities … consequent costs to shareholders and utility ratepayers, and more costs for local, state and federal governments and taxpayers.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Discounts for Clearing Brush?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Consumer advocate Amy Bach, executive director of the insurance consumer group United Policyholders, agrees that the current risk-based system should not be changed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because at its core, she says, insurance is “basically just a very kind of informed gambling.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When you buy insurance, you’re basically transferring your risk onto the insurance company,” she said. “The insurance company looks at you and says, ‘OK what is this person’s risk profile? How old are they? How responsible are they? What’s their history? … ‘ They’re just deciding, what is this risk worth that I’m taking on, and what am I going to charge this person?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara, the insurance commissioner, said he is trying to figure out how to “incentivize more of the admitted market insurers to stay in” high-risk areas to ensure lower prices and consumer protections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know that’s a lot to ask in some of these communities,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But he noted that California is the largest market in the country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is a massive market for the insurance companies. I don’t think it behooves them to leave the market. But also we have to figure out how we learn to coexist and how do we ensure that the market is robust so that they can pay out the claims and we can continue with our daily lives.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One way to do that could be requiring insurance companies to offer lower prices to individuals and communities that invest in materials and initiatives that make them less vulnerable to fire. That could include \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1943058/whos-checking-homes-for-flammable-brush-in-some-high-risk-areas-maybe-no-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clearing the area\u003c/a> around a home of dangerous brush that can ignite during a wildfire, or building homes with more fire-resistant materials.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara said his office is pushing insurance companies to consider those sorts of discounts, similar to the discounts they give good drivers, for example. He said the industry is open to the concept.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The industry is indeed exploring the idea, says Mark Sektnan, of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. But to make it work, companies would need entire communities to participate in reducing a wildfire threat, because fires come with a uniquely unfortunate risk compared to other natural disasters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you mitigate your house for a hurricane or earthquake — whatever you do for your house directly benefits you, whatever your neighbors don’t do, doesn’t negatively impact you,” Sektnan said. “Wildfire is the one catastrophe where you may take all the correct actions, but if none of your neighbors do, the effectiveness of your own mitigations are not as good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sektnan said this kind of communitywide approach is already being taken in at least one market, where the county of Boulder in Colorado is partnering with insurers to bring down everyone’s rates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara agreed that collective action is key, saying the state now needs to think about how to ensure communities work together to harden themselves against wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He also wants to simplify insurance contracts so that consumers have a better idea of their coverage ahead of a disaster.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“How do we create smarter contracts so that people can clearly understand what they’re covered [for], what they’re paying?” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Climate Questions Loom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, personal property insurance isn’t the only insurance question looming over California, as climate change is not only making wildfires more destructive, but it’s raising broader questions about the state’s resilience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For one, state firefighting costs have exploded in recent years, so Lara is pushing legislation that would let the state take out insurance to cover those cost overruns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State leaders are also debating the possibility of a multibillion dollar wildfire insurance fund that would help protect the state’s utilities against financial ruin when they’re found liable for fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Lara is also exploring more out-of-the-box ideas, such as taking out insurance policies on natural resource like wetlands or forests that are threatened by climate change but whose existence actually helps mitigate its effects.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara, a former state lawmaker, authored legislation in 2018 to create a working group to address the broader question of climate change and insurance; that group will start meeting soon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Where are we most vulnerable as a state? Where are we most at risk? ” he said. “We know, for example in the Bay Area, the wetlands around the bay are critical, and we have to make sure that they’re strong and they’re thriving so that we could defend against potential flooding or sea level rise.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In other parts of the world, this is already happening. For example, a coral reef off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, was recently insured in a collaboration between the government and nongovernmental organizations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The world’s already starting to figure out how do we bring in the insurance industry in our united front against climate change,” Lara said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, California must do the same.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Jon Brooks contributed to this post.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Despite an increase in insurance companies dropping coverage in fire-prone areas, nobody's ready to blow up the entire system yet. But some reforms may be on the way.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1727135582,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 50,
"wordCount": 1811
},
"headData": {
"title": "'Increasingly Unavailable and Unaffordable': Home Insurance Threatened Amid Wildfire Crisis | KQED",
"description": "Despite an increase in insurance companies dropping coverage in fire-prone areas, nobody's ready to blow up the entire system yet. But some reforms may be on the way.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "'Increasingly Unavailable and Unaffordable': Home Insurance Threatened Amid Wildfire Crisis",
"datePublished": "2019-06-11T03:00:08-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-23T16:53:02-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"source": "Living With Wildfire",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/wildfires",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/LagosLwWInsurance.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"audioTrackLength": 431,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/science/1943180/increasingly-unavailable-and-unaffordable-home-insurance-threatened-amid-wildfire-crisis",
"audioDuration": 431000,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>David Bevacqua never had trouble insuring a home in California, but he was in for a rude surprise after recently buying a house in Bass Lake, in the Sierra Nevada foothills.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘I’m paying twice as much as I expected, and now I have to deal with three separate policies on this one house.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "right",
"size": "small",
"citation": "California homeowner David Bevacqua",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp> “None of the insurance companies would quote me,” he said. “I didn’t know what was going on.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bevacqua is not alone. As more and more destructive wildfires have whipped through the state in recent years, Californians living in areas considered a high wildfire risk are seeing their insurance rates creep up \u003cem>—\u003c/em> or in cases like Bevacqua’s, having insurers simply pull out of some communities altogether.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Between 2015 and 2016 alone, according to the state insurance commissioner’s office, there was a 15 percent increase in “insurer initiated non-renewals” in fire-prone areas. That means homeowners wanted to keep their insurance but the companies refused to renew their policies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since Bevacqua couldn’t get a policy on the “admitted” market, where rates are regulated by the state, he ended up going with an alternative known as the FAIR Plan. Created in the 1960s, it’s a very limited, expensive option-of-last resort for consumers who cannot find insurance elsewhere.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m paying twice as much as I expected, and now I have to deal with three separate policies on this one house,” he said, referring to yet another policy he bought covering earthquakes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ah, California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Stories like Bevacqua’s have caught the attention of policymakers in Sacramento, who have made a number of tweaks to laws governing personal property insurance in recent years, including legislation prohibiting insurers from canceling policies after a home burns down, and laws aimed at making sure people understand their policies and are not underinsured.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘Wildfire is the one catastrophe where you may take all the correct actions, but if none of your neighbors do, the effectiveness of your own mitigations are not as good.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "right",
"size": "small",
"citation": "Mark Sektnan, American Property Casualty Insurance Association",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>But more sweeping insurance reforms have died under pressure from the insurance industry, and as of yet, no one seems to be ready to completely overhaul the state’s insurance market. According to the industry, 98 percent of Californians with home insurance are still covered by the traditional, regulated market, with the other 2% using the FAIR Plan and other policies not regulated by the state.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The reason I hesitate about rethinking the entire insurance industry is that in California — despite these fires, despite the challenges — we have a robust market,” said California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “We still feel comfortable that our insurance market is strong and healthy enough to be able to pay out claims.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mark Sektnan, of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, agrees.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Overall we still see the market as very competitive, very viable,” he said. “But we do understand that homeowners in certain areas may be facing challenges.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>‘Increasingly Unavailable and Unaffordable’\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California actually has some of the most consumer-friendly insurance laws in the nation, thanks to a 30-year-old ballot measure that set the rules still in effect today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": " ",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "science_1943266,science_1943058",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Those rules require insurance companies participating in the regulated market to base insurance rates on a customer’s individual level of risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And while the state insurance commissioner must approve the amount insurers can charge, he can’t force them to offer insurance if they think the risk is too high.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Those restrictions make sense, Lara said, to ensure that the insurance market stays financially healthy. So while he is concerned about the cost and availability of insurance in wildfire-prone areas, he said that basing prices on the level of risk that a home poses makes sense, even if it is driving up costs for those who are the most vulnerable.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Commission on Catastrophic Wildfire Cost and Recovery, set up by the state Legislature and governor to study wildfire costs, agreed with Lara, warning that if California “artificially masks” expensive insurance in high-risk regions by subsidizing rates, it will incentivize risky behavior and make insurance more expensive for people in other parts of the state where wildfires are not a threat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, the commission’s recent report said that while “the home insurance market is not in crisis yet,” the state is “marching toward a future where home insurance will be increasingly unavailable and/or unaffordable” for Californians in high-risk fire areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The commission focused on areas known as the wildland urban interface, or WUI, which refers to regions where homes are built near forests or other wildlands threatened by wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“In evaluating whether to subsidize homeowners insurance in the WUI, policymakers need to consider whether the state wants to encourage more people to move into the WUI,” the report states. “We believe doing so will lead to more deaths and injuries of both residents and first responders, destruction of property, loss of homes, more damages to be paid by utilities … consequent costs to shareholders and utility ratepayers, and more costs for local, state and federal governments and taxpayers.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Discounts for Clearing Brush?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Consumer advocate Amy Bach, executive director of the insurance consumer group United Policyholders, agrees that the current risk-based system should not be changed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s because at its core, she says, insurance is “basically just a very kind of informed gambling.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When you buy insurance, you’re basically transferring your risk onto the insurance company,” she said. “The insurance company looks at you and says, ‘OK what is this person’s risk profile? How old are they? How responsible are they? What’s their history? … ‘ They’re just deciding, what is this risk worth that I’m taking on, and what am I going to charge this person?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara, the insurance commissioner, said he is trying to figure out how to “incentivize more of the admitted market insurers to stay in” high-risk areas to ensure lower prices and consumer protections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know that’s a lot to ask in some of these communities,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But he noted that California is the largest market in the country.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It is a massive market for the insurance companies. I don’t think it behooves them to leave the market. But also we have to figure out how we learn to coexist and how do we ensure that the market is robust so that they can pay out the claims and we can continue with our daily lives.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One way to do that could be requiring insurance companies to offer lower prices to individuals and communities that invest in materials and initiatives that make them less vulnerable to fire. That could include \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1943058/whos-checking-homes-for-flammable-brush-in-some-high-risk-areas-maybe-no-one\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clearing the area\u003c/a> around a home of dangerous brush that can ignite during a wildfire, or building homes with more fire-resistant materials.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara said his office is pushing insurance companies to consider those sorts of discounts, similar to the discounts they give good drivers, for example. He said the industry is open to the concept.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The industry is indeed exploring the idea, says Mark Sektnan, of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. But to make it work, companies would need entire communities to participate in reducing a wildfire threat, because fires come with a uniquely unfortunate risk compared to other natural disasters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you mitigate your house for a hurricane or earthquake — whatever you do for your house directly benefits you, whatever your neighbors don’t do, doesn’t negatively impact you,” Sektnan said. “Wildfire is the one catastrophe where you may take all the correct actions, but if none of your neighbors do, the effectiveness of your own mitigations are not as good.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sektnan said this kind of communitywide approach is already being taken in at least one market, where the county of Boulder in Colorado is partnering with insurers to bring down everyone’s rates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara agreed that collective action is key, saying the state now needs to think about how to ensure communities work together to harden themselves against wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He also wants to simplify insurance contracts so that consumers have a better idea of their coverage ahead of a disaster.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“How do we create smarter contracts so that people can clearly understand what they’re covered [for], what they’re paying?” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Climate Questions Loom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, personal property insurance isn’t the only insurance question looming over California, as climate change is not only making wildfires more destructive, but it’s raising broader questions about the state’s resilience.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For one, state firefighting costs have exploded in recent years, so Lara is pushing legislation that would let the state take out insurance to cover those cost overruns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>State leaders are also debating the possibility of a multibillion dollar wildfire insurance fund that would help protect the state’s utilities against financial ruin when they’re found liable for fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And Lara is also exploring more out-of-the-box ideas, such as taking out insurance policies on natural resource like wetlands or forests that are threatened by climate change but whose existence actually helps mitigate its effects.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lara, a former state lawmaker, authored legislation in 2018 to create a working group to address the broader question of climate change and insurance; that group will start meeting soon.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Where are we most vulnerable as a state? Where are we most at risk? ” he said. “We know, for example in the Bay Area, the wetlands around the bay are critical, and we have to make sure that they’re strong and they’re thriving so that we could defend against potential flooding or sea level rise.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In other parts of the world, this is already happening. For example, a coral reef off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, was recently insured in a collaboration between the government and nongovernmental organizations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The world’s already starting to figure out how do we bring in the insurance industry in our united front against climate change,” Lara said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, California must do the same.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Jon Brooks contributed to this post.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1943180/increasingly-unavailable-and-unaffordable-home-insurance-threatened-amid-wildfire-crisis",
"authors": [
"3239"
],
"programs": [
"science_5376"
],
"categories": [
"science_31",
"science_40",
"science_5141",
"science_3423",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_194",
"science_3832",
"science_3988"
],
"featImg": "science_1943211",
"label": "source_science_1943180"
},
"science_1943058": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1943058",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1943058",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1560150075000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1560150075,
"format": "image",
"title": "Who’s Checking Your Neighborhood for Flammable Brush? Maybe No One",
"headTitle": "Who’s Checking Your Neighborhood for Flammable Brush? Maybe No One | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>It’s one of the most confounding sights of California’s recent firestorms: One home is completely destroyed, and another right next door is still standing, even untouched.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote size=\"small\"]Cal Fire inspected just 17% of properties in 2018 in areas where the agency is responsible for checking defensible space, according to a KQED analysis of almost a half-million inspection records. That is just over half of the agency’s 33% goal.[/pullquote]Might be luck. Or it could be because that homeowner took care of the property’s “defensible space,” an area around the building where flammable brush and grass have been cut back, depriving the fire of fuel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Experts say even a few homes surrounded by too much growth can put an entire neighborhood at risk. So in many parts of the state, inspectors go door to door, checking a home’s defensible space and issuing citations for violations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But a KQED investigation has found homes and buildings in Northern California, in some of the most at-risk fire areas in the state, are rarely inspected \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">by Cal Fire, the state firefighting agency responsible for checking defensible space in much of California\u003c/span>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In one Cal Fire region in the Sierra Nevada, just 6% of properties were inspected in 2018. In the Bay Area, Cal Fire inspected just 12% of properties in its jurisdiction that includes Napa and Sonoma counties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, in Southern California coastal counties, county fire departments are checking homes at much higher rates, with some counties looking at 100% of properties and sending homeowners multiple reminders to make their houses safer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We should be doing more, doing better,” said Max Moritz, a wildfire specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension, after reviewing the findings. “We need to have more people aware they live on a fire-prone landscape and taking action.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote size=\"small\" citation=\"Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Glendale\"]‘Having one property that’s badly out of compliance can put an entire neighborhood at risk.’[/pullquote]Cal Fire, for its part, says it’s struggling to meet its inspection goals due to a lack of inspectors and resources.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For many Californians, a defensible space inspection will be the only exposure to wildfire planning they get.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s not too many other ways people will learn about the vulnerability of their own home other than having an inspector or firefighter at their property,” Moritz said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lake County: Many Fires, Few Inspections\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One place struggling to enforce defensible space is also one of the hardest hit by wildfires in recent years: Lake County, just north of the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Cal Fire unit that covers Lake County inspected just 12% of properties in its overall region in 2018. Local fire departments have also tried to do inspections, but have been busy with the catastrophic fires of recent years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2015, the \u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1226\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valley Fire\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> burned almost 2,000 homes and structures in the county. Then came the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1390\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clayton Fire\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2016, the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1876\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulphur Fire\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2017 and the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mendocino Complex\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2018. That four-county blaze was the largest in state history, scorching 717 square miles, a bigger area than is taken up by the cities of Houston or Phoenix.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1943083\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_190607C.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’ve burned up about 45 percent of our county land mass,” said Willie Sapeta, fire chief for the Lake County Fire Protection District. “Lake County as a whole is suffering from PTSD just because everyone is so traumatized by it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sapeta has seen first-hand the difference that maintaining defensible space can make. In 2015, the Clayton Fire was racing through tall grass and brush on the outskirts of the town of Lower Lake. But it slowed down when it approached the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum; there, the grasses had been mowed within 100 feet of the wooden building, creating a buffer. The shrubs around the museum also had large gaps between them, another important defensible space tactic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The museum, and the buildings behind it, were left untouched by the fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Definitely a big part of Lower Lake was saved by having that defensible space in place,” Sapeta said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, the hills remain covered with dead, blackened trees, but the undergrowth has sprung back, fed by this winter’s abundant rain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even with the scars of wildfire still visible, Sapeta says, many homeowners still haven’t cleared their defensible space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Life happens,” he said. “They’ve got kids. They’ve got jobs. And then all of a sudden they don’t realize we’re in June and all that brush is right up against their home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The firefighters in Sapeta’s fire district, one of several covering the county, try to make defensible space inspections when they can. But mostly they’re responding to emergency calls like fires, car crashes and heart attacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943085\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1943085\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-800x752.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"752\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-800x752.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-160x150.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-768x722.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-1020x959.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lake County, where Willie Sapeta leads the fire protection district, passed a defensible space ordinance for the first time this year. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>To really educate homeowners and enforce the rules, Sapeta says, he needs dedicated inspectors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I would love to have a fire prevention program where I’ve got a staff of six or eight people,” he said. “Nothing more in the world I’d love, to be able to do that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He says the funds, however, aren’t there. “It takes everything we have just to keep our doors open. The small rural counties just don’t have the resources.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lake County’s Board of Supervisors passed its first defensible space ordinance earlier this year, despite the opposition of some members of the public concerned about the cost of clearing their properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, even without additional funding, inspectors are visiting homes for the first time. To do that, the planning department is temporarily pulling building inspectors off their jobs to focus on vegetation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Other counties are in the same boat, particularly like Butte and Shasta counties,” said Mary Jane Montana, Lake County’s chief building official. “None of us have a lot money, and we’re faced with the same thing. So, we kind of just had to say, ‘We’re doing it this year.’ ”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>‘Everybody Wants to Save Their Community’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fire safety is very different in other parts of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote size=\"small\" citation=\"Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta, on the lack of defensible space inspections in Lake County\"]‘It takes everything we have just to keep our doors open. The small rural counties just don’t have the resources.’[/pullquote]“All these homes have chimneys,” said Charles Butler, code enforcement officer for San Diego Fire-Rescue, squinting at a row of suburban homes. “Another thing I look for is tree canopy up over the chimney. That is a violation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Butler enters the information on an iPad, something he does at thousands of homes every year. He’s one of five inspectors responsible for about 45,000 homes in San Diego’s wildland-urban interface, where houses are nestled against open space or rugged canyons.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When he finds dead brush or tall weeds, he leaves the homeowner a notice about what to fix, with several weeks to comply. The city then does another inspection, and if the work still isn’t complete, follows up a third time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If problems persist, the city hires a contractor to clear the brush. The owner is then on the hook for the cost, and a lien is put on their property. The city has to resort to this process, called “forced abatement,” on a few dozen properties each year, often at \u003ca href=\"https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/science-environment/this-company-will-clear-fire-hazards-from-your-property-whether-you-asked-it-to-or-not/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">considerable cost \u003c/a>to the owner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most people who don’t follow the rules are elderly or financially burdened, says Marcy Garcia\u003cstrong>,\u003c/strong> San Diego Fire-Rescue’s code compliance supervisor. In those cases, the city tries to connect violators with local fire-safe councils, the community-led groups that have \u003ca href=\"http://firesafesdcounty.org/dsap/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grants or have other resources\u003c/a> available to help get the work done.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943081\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1943081\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-800x714.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"714\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-800x714.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-160x143.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-768x685.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-1020x910.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Diego code enforcement officer Charles Butler enters defensible space inspection data. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Garcia says the overall compliance rate is high because the city provides crucial reminders to homeowners who may care about fire safety but haven’t gotten around to fixing their property.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Especially in the areas where there have been fires before, they’re very receptive to it,” said Garcia. “Everybody wants to save their community.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cal Fire Struggling\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to local governments, Cal Fire is also responsible for enforcing defensible space regulations, for more than 750,000 homes and buildings within 31 million acres that fall outside city and town limits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But across that territory, Cal Fire is struggling to meet its inspection goals, especially in rural Northern California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A defensible space law, passed in 2005, \u003ca href=\"http://calfire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_100feet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requires a 100-foot buffer\u003c/a> around homes in fire zones. From zero to 30 feet, homeowners must create a “lean and green” zone by trimming trees so they don’t hang over roofs and clearing dead grass and brush. Between 30 and 100 feet, they must keep shrubs spaced apart and grasses mowed to 4 inches or less.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to inspect every property in our responsibility area every three years,” said Steven Hawks, deputy chief for Cal Fire’s wildland fire-prevention engineering program. “Defensible space is a critical component to a home surviving a wildland fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire reports it’s close to its goal. From July 2017 through June 2018, it completed 217,666 inspections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But doesn’t mean Cal Fire visited 217,666 properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A KQED analysis of almost a half- million inspection records shows the agency’s inspection rate was just 17% of properties in 2018, far below the agency’s 33% goal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One reason for the discrepancy is that Cal Fire includes multiple trips to the same properties that failed a first inspection.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It also includes visits in areas where responsibility for inspections has been handed to county fire departments. And those rates are dramatically higher than Cal Fire’s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Orange County and Ventura County fire departments each inspect 100% of properties in risky fire zones every year. The Los Angeles County and Santa Barbara County fire departments get to around 60%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Cal Fire sends money to those counties, as well as Marin and Kern, because they do their own firefighting, it generally doesn’t cover the costs of their entire defensible space programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943088\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 750px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1943088\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_SideBar_190607B.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"1050\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_SideBar_190607B.jpg 750w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_SideBar_190607B-160x224.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">California’s defensible space law requires managing vegetation 100 feet around structures. \u003ccite>(Teodros Hailye/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Achieving those high inspection rates takes substantial county investment. Some county fire departments have dedicated teams of year-round inspectors, while others rely on firefighting engine crews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It does take resources and commitment, but we do it because it’s one of the most important programs in the department,” says Ventura County Fire Marshal Massoud Araghi. “This is what we believe will save structures and will help our firefighters be safe.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Araghi estimated a 99.9% compliance rate from the county’s homeowners, something he attributes to annual inspections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s very important the time period is consistent,” he said. “Everyone knows they have to have it clean by a certain time. If you have long periods of time in between, you won’t be successful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Resources Lacking\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some high-risk fire areas where Cal Fire does inspections, properties receive dramatically few inspections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the low end, just 6% of properties received inspections in 2018 by the Cal Fire unit that covers the Sierra Nevada counties of Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento and Alpine. At that rate, which has remained mostly consistent since 2010, each property would be visited about once every 16 years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The same pattern is found in the nearby rural counties of Nevada, Yuba, Placer, Sierra and Sutter, where 7% of properties were inspected in 2018.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even in Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties, where recent fires have been historically devastating, Cal Fire inspected just 12% of properties last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire gives several reasons for the low numbers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every year, the agency hires between four and six defensible space inspectors in each of its 21 units throughout the state, but those inspectors are only funded to work three months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beginning in 2011, that money came from a $152 annual fee on homeowners within Cal Fire’s jurisdiction\u003cstrong>. \u003c/strong>But the levy was opposed by many in rural counties who saw it as an added tax, and in 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill to suspend it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since then, Cal Fire’s defensible space funding has come from revenue generated by the state’s cap-and-trade program, designed to lower carbon emissions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Without more funding, Cal Fire Deputy Chief Hawks says, it will be tough to increase the inspection rate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another issue is that inspectors are not distributed in proportion to the number of properties in each region. A Cal Fire unit that covers 35,000 properties has four seasonal inspectors, for example, but one with double that number has just six.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943091\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1943091\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-800x657.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"657\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-800x657.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-160x131.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-768x630.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-1020x837.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cal Fire firefighter Tony Kochis discusses defensible space with a homeowner in Yountville, California in 2014. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We should look at the numbers like you’re looking at them,” Hawks told KQED. “We may have some units that have a larger number of parcels than others, and they should get more of the resources.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire has the power to hire contractors to clean up properties when homeowners don’t comply, but it’s not something the agency currently does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We don’t really have the staff to accomplish that mission,” Hawks said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In general, Hawks says, Cal Fire hasn’t been able to hire enough people to take care of its defensible space responsibilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have not been able to fill our defensible space inspectors in every unit every year,” he said. “So having enough qualified people on the list to fill our positions is important.” Hawks could not provide numbers for how many positions have gone unfilled or the reasons why.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Typically, some inspections are done by the agency’s firefighters during down times. But with fire seasons getting longer and more intense, there hasn’t been much of that in recent years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult with the fire seasons being the way they’ve been,” Hawks said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Doubling Inspections\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lawmakers in Sacramento are now considering a bill, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1516\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 1516\u003c/a>, that mandates Cal Fire do inspections at a rate double what it does now. The bill requires the agency to inspect properties once every three years, beginning in 2021.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have to change the way that we think about clearing the foliage off of private property,” said the bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Glendale. “Having one property that’s badly out of compliance can put an entire neighborhood at risk.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bill would also create new defensible space rules specifically for the zone within five feet of a building, something many defensible space experts recommend. Cal Fire would be responsible for identifying which kinds of plants homeowners aren’t allowed to grow in that zone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I would say absolutely the zero-to-5 feet is the most important place to focus on,” said Alexandra Syphard, chief scientist at Sage Underwriters, a company that evaluates the fire risk of homes for the insurance industry. “The things that tend to be the most important are those things that are right up against the house: trees overhanging your roof, vegetation that’s touching the structure.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many homes are ignited by embers that are blown ahead of a wildfire as opposed to actually being lit by flames. If a tree or bush next to a house catches fire that way, it can spread to the house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Defensible space can reduce that risk and also give firefighters the necessary space to maneuver and defend a home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t have to be drastic,” said Syphard. “You can still have a lot of vegetation on your property, but reducing it by at least 20% is a critical threshold where you do significantly improve survival chances.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, she cautions that there’s no guarantee a home will be spared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of homes with more defensible space than is even required are still destroyed by fires.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With many Californians struggling to get fire insurance policies, there’s also a push for insurance companies to consider the maintenance of defensible space when setting rates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have to look at how do we allow Californians to get maybe a discount for mitigating wildfire risk, for hardening their home … similar to what we give in terms of discounts for good drivers,” said Ricardo Lara, California’s insurance commissioner. “We’re pushing insurance companies now, and surprisingly they’re coming to the table.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire has not said what doubling inspections would cost, but if AB 1516 passes, the agency would request the funding as part of its annual budget.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We do need more resources for Cal Fire,” said Assemblymember Friedman. “I do believe that Governor Newsom is very serious about investing to make our communities more resilient to fire and he’ll see the wisdom in investing in these kinds of programs.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"780\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https://kqednews.carto.com/builder/eb7d93a3-2cc8-410e-826a-22d3e7e97721/embed\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": true,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 3016,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [
"https://kqednews.carto.com/builder/eb7d93a3-2cc8-410e-826a-22d3e7e97721/embed"
],
"paragraphCount": 89
},
"modified": 1704848619,
"excerpt": "A KQED investigation found homes and buildings in rural parts of Northern California, in some of the state's most fire-prone areas, are rarely inspected for brush and grass that can ignite and put whole neighborhoods in jeopardy.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "A KQED investigation found homes and buildings in rural parts of Northern California, in some of the state's most fire-prone areas, are rarely inspected for brush and grass that can ignite and put whole neighborhoods in jeopardy.",
"title": "Who’s Checking Your Neighborhood for Flammable Brush? Maybe No One | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Who’s Checking Your Neighborhood for Flammable Brush? Maybe No One",
"datePublished": "2019-06-10T00:01:15-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-01-09T17:03:39-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "whos-checking-homes-for-flammable-brush-in-some-high-risk-areas-maybe-no-one",
"status": "publish",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/SommerDefensibleSpace.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"audioTrackLength": 425,
"source": "Living With Wildfire",
"path": "/science/1943058/whos-checking-homes-for-flammable-brush-in-some-high-risk-areas-maybe-no-one",
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>It’s one of the most confounding sights of California’s recent firestorms: One home is completely destroyed, and another right next door is still standing, even untouched.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "Cal Fire inspected just 17% of properties in 2018 in areas where the agency is responsible for checking defensible space, according to a KQED analysis of almost a half-million inspection records. That is just over half of the agency’s 33% goal.",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"size": "small",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Might be luck. Or it could be because that homeowner took care of the property’s “defensible space,” an area around the building where flammable brush and grass have been cut back, depriving the fire of fuel.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Experts say even a few homes surrounded by too much growth can put an entire neighborhood at risk. So in many parts of the state, inspectors go door to door, checking a home’s defensible space and issuing citations for violations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But a KQED investigation has found homes and buildings in Northern California, in some of the most at-risk fire areas in the state, are rarely inspected \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">by Cal Fire, the state firefighting agency responsible for checking defensible space in much of California\u003c/span>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In one Cal Fire region in the Sierra Nevada, just 6% of properties were inspected in 2018. In the Bay Area, Cal Fire inspected just 12% of properties in its jurisdiction that includes Napa and Sonoma counties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Meanwhile, in Southern California coastal counties, county fire departments are checking homes at much higher rates, with some counties looking at 100% of properties and sending homeowners multiple reminders to make their houses safer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We should be doing more, doing better,” said Max Moritz, a wildfire specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension, after reviewing the findings. “We need to have more people aware they live on a fire-prone landscape and taking action.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘Having one property that’s badly out of compliance can put an entire neighborhood at risk.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"size": "small",
"citation": "Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Glendale",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Cal Fire, for its part, says it’s struggling to meet its inspection goals due to a lack of inspectors and resources.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For many Californians, a defensible space inspection will be the only exposure to wildfire planning they get.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s not too many other ways people will learn about the vulnerability of their own home other than having an inspector or firefighter at their property,” Moritz said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Lake County: Many Fires, Few Inspections\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One place struggling to enforce defensible space is also one of the hardest hit by wildfires in recent years: Lake County, just north of the Bay Area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Cal Fire unit that covers Lake County inspected just 12% of properties in its overall region in 2018. Local fire departments have also tried to do inspections, but have been busy with the catastrophic fires of recent years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2015, the \u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1226\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Valley Fire\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> burned almost 2,000 homes and structures in the county. Then came the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1390\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clayton Fire\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2016, the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=1876\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sulphur Fire\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2017 and the \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6073/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mendocino Complex\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2018. That four-county blaze was the largest in state history, scorching 717 square miles, a bigger area than is taken up by the cities of Houston or Phoenix.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1943083\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_190607C.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’ve burned up about 45 percent of our county land mass,” said Willie Sapeta, fire chief for the Lake County Fire Protection District. “Lake County as a whole is suffering from PTSD just because everyone is so traumatized by it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Sapeta has seen first-hand the difference that maintaining defensible space can make. In 2015, the Clayton Fire was racing through tall grass and brush on the outskirts of the town of Lower Lake. But it slowed down when it approached the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum; there, the grasses had been mowed within 100 feet of the wooden building, creating a buffer. The shrubs around the museum also had large gaps between them, another important defensible space tactic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The museum, and the buildings behind it, were left untouched by the fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Definitely a big part of Lower Lake was saved by having that defensible space in place,” Sapeta said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Today, the hills remain covered with dead, blackened trees, but the undergrowth has sprung back, fed by this winter’s abundant rain.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even with the scars of wildfire still visible, Sapeta says, many homeowners still haven’t cleared their defensible space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Life happens,” he said. “They’ve got kids. They’ve got jobs. And then all of a sudden they don’t realize we’re in June and all that brush is right up against their home.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The firefighters in Sapeta’s fire district, one of several covering the county, try to make defensible space inspections when they can. But mostly they’re responding to emergency calls like fires, car crashes and heart attacks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943085\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1943085\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-800x752.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"752\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-800x752.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-160x150.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-768x722.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county-1020x959.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/lake-county.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lake County, where Willie Sapeta leads the fire protection district, passed a defensible space ordinance for the first time this year. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>To really educate homeowners and enforce the rules, Sapeta says, he needs dedicated inspectors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I would love to have a fire prevention program where I’ve got a staff of six or eight people,” he said. “Nothing more in the world I’d love, to be able to do that.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He says the funds, however, aren’t there. “It takes everything we have just to keep our doors open. The small rural counties just don’t have the resources.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lake County’s Board of Supervisors passed its first defensible space ordinance earlier this year, despite the opposition of some members of the public concerned about the cost of clearing their properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now, even without additional funding, inspectors are visiting homes for the first time. To do that, the planning department is temporarily pulling building inspectors off their jobs to focus on vegetation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Other counties are in the same boat, particularly like Butte and Shasta counties,” said Mary Jane Montana, Lake County’s chief building official. “None of us have a lot money, and we’re faced with the same thing. So, we kind of just had to say, ‘We’re doing it this year.’ ”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>‘Everybody Wants to Save Their Community’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fire safety is very different in other parts of California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘It takes everything we have just to keep our doors open. The small rural counties just don’t have the resources.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"size": "small",
"citation": "Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta, on the lack of defensible space inspections in Lake County",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“All these homes have chimneys,” said Charles Butler, code enforcement officer for San Diego Fire-Rescue, squinting at a row of suburban homes. “Another thing I look for is tree canopy up over the chimney. That is a violation.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Butler enters the information on an iPad, something he does at thousands of homes every year. He’s one of five inspectors responsible for about 45,000 homes in San Diego’s wildland-urban interface, where houses are nestled against open space or rugged canyons.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When he finds dead brush or tall weeds, he leaves the homeowner a notice about what to fix, with several weeks to comply. The city then does another inspection, and if the work still isn’t complete, follows up a third time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If problems persist, the city hires a contractor to clear the brush. The owner is then on the hook for the cost, and a lien is put on their property. The city has to resort to this process, called “forced abatement,” on a few dozen properties each year, often at \u003ca href=\"https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topics/science-environment/this-company-will-clear-fire-hazards-from-your-property-whether-you-asked-it-to-or-not/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">considerable cost \u003c/a>to the owner.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Most people who don’t follow the rules are elderly or financially burdened, says Marcy Garcia\u003cstrong>,\u003c/strong> San Diego Fire-Rescue’s code compliance supervisor. In those cases, the city tries to connect violators with local fire-safe councils, the community-led groups that have \u003ca href=\"http://firesafesdcounty.org/dsap/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grants or have other resources\u003c/a> available to help get the work done.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943081\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1943081\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-800x714.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"714\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-800x714.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-160x143.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-768x685.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire-1020x910.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/san-diego-fire.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">San Diego code enforcement officer Charles Butler enters defensible space inspection data. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Garcia says the overall compliance rate is high because the city provides crucial reminders to homeowners who may care about fire safety but haven’t gotten around to fixing their property.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Especially in the areas where there have been fires before, they’re very receptive to it,” said Garcia. “Everybody wants to save their community.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Cal Fire Struggling\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to local governments, Cal Fire is also responsible for enforcing defensible space regulations, for more than 750,000 homes and buildings within 31 million acres that fall outside city and town limits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But across that territory, Cal Fire is struggling to meet its inspection goals, especially in rural Northern California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A defensible space law, passed in 2005, \u003ca href=\"http://calfire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_100feet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requires a 100-foot buffer\u003c/a> around homes in fire zones. From zero to 30 feet, homeowners must create a “lean and green” zone by trimming trees so they don’t hang over roofs and clearing dead grass and brush. Between 30 and 100 feet, they must keep shrubs spaced apart and grasses mowed to 4 inches or less.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to inspect every property in our responsibility area every three years,” said Steven Hawks, deputy chief for Cal Fire’s wildland fire-prevention engineering program. “Defensible space is a critical component to a home surviving a wildland fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire reports it’s close to its goal. From July 2017 through June 2018, it completed 217,666 inspections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But doesn’t mean Cal Fire visited 217,666 properties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A KQED analysis of almost a half- million inspection records shows the agency’s inspection rate was just 17% of properties in 2018, far below the agency’s 33% goal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One reason for the discrepancy is that Cal Fire includes multiple trips to the same properties that failed a first inspection.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It also includes visits in areas where responsibility for inspections has been handed to county fire departments. And those rates are dramatically higher than Cal Fire’s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Orange County and Ventura County fire departments each inspect 100% of properties in risky fire zones every year. The Los Angeles County and Santa Barbara County fire departments get to around 60%.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While Cal Fire sends money to those counties, as well as Marin and Kern, because they do their own firefighting, it generally doesn’t cover the costs of their entire defensible space programs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943088\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 750px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1943088\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_SideBar_190607B.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"750\" height=\"1050\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_SideBar_190607B.jpg 750w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/KQEDScience_Defensible_SideBar_190607B-160x224.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">California’s defensible space law requires managing vegetation 100 feet around structures. \u003ccite>(Teodros Hailye/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Achieving those high inspection rates takes substantial county investment. Some county fire departments have dedicated teams of year-round inspectors, while others rely on firefighting engine crews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It does take resources and commitment, but we do it because it’s one of the most important programs in the department,” says Ventura County Fire Marshal Massoud Araghi. “This is what we believe will save structures and will help our firefighters be safe.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Araghi estimated a 99.9% compliance rate from the county’s homeowners, something he attributes to annual inspections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s very important the time period is consistent,” he said. “Everyone knows they have to have it clean by a certain time. If you have long periods of time in between, you won’t be successful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Resources Lacking\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some high-risk fire areas where Cal Fire does inspections, properties receive dramatically few inspections.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At the low end, just 6% of properties received inspections in 2018 by the Cal Fire unit that covers the Sierra Nevada counties of Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento and Alpine. At that rate, which has remained mostly consistent since 2010, each property would be visited about once every 16 years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The same pattern is found in the nearby rural counties of Nevada, Yuba, Placer, Sierra and Sutter, where 7% of properties were inspected in 2018.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even in Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties, where recent fires have been historically devastating, Cal Fire inspected just 12% of properties last year.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire gives several reasons for the low numbers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Every year, the agency hires between four and six defensible space inspectors in each of its 21 units throughout the state, but those inspectors are only funded to work three months.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Beginning in 2011, that money came from a $152 annual fee on homeowners within Cal Fire’s jurisdiction\u003cstrong>. \u003c/strong>But the levy was opposed by many in rural counties who saw it as an added tax, and in 2017, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill to suspend it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since then, Cal Fire’s defensible space funding has come from revenue generated by the state’s cap-and-trade program, designed to lower carbon emissions.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Without more funding, Cal Fire Deputy Chief Hawks says, it will be tough to increase the inspection rate.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Another issue is that inspectors are not distributed in proportion to the number of properties in each region. A Cal Fire unit that covers 35,000 properties has four seasonal inspectors, for example, but one with double that number has just six.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1943091\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1943091\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-800x657.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"657\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-800x657.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-160x131.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-768x630.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited-1020x837.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/Cal-fire-edited.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cal Fire firefighter Tony Kochis discusses defensible space with a homeowner in Yountville, California in 2014. \u003ccite>(Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We should look at the numbers like you’re looking at them,” Hawks told KQED. “We may have some units that have a larger number of parcels than others, and they should get more of the resources.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire has the power to hire contractors to clean up properties when homeowners don’t comply, but it’s not something the agency currently does.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We don’t really have the staff to accomplish that mission,” Hawks said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In general, Hawks says, Cal Fire hasn’t been able to hire enough people to take care of its defensible space responsibilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have not been able to fill our defensible space inspectors in every unit every year,” he said. “So having enough qualified people on the list to fill our positions is important.” Hawks could not provide numbers for how many positions have gone unfilled or the reasons why.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Typically, some inspections are done by the agency’s firefighters during down times. But with fire seasons getting longer and more intense, there hasn’t been much of that in recent years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult with the fire seasons being the way they’ve been,” Hawks said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Doubling Inspections\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lawmakers in Sacramento are now considering a bill, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB1516\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 1516\u003c/a>, that mandates Cal Fire do inspections at a rate double what it does now. The bill requires the agency to inspect properties once every three years, beginning in 2021.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have to change the way that we think about clearing the foliage off of private property,” said the bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, D-Glendale. “Having one property that’s badly out of compliance can put an entire neighborhood at risk.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The bill would also create new defensible space rules specifically for the zone within five feet of a building, something many defensible space experts recommend. Cal Fire would be responsible for identifying which kinds of plants homeowners aren’t allowed to grow in that zone.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I would say absolutely the zero-to-5 feet is the most important place to focus on,” said Alexandra Syphard, chief scientist at Sage Underwriters, a company that evaluates the fire risk of homes for the insurance industry. “The things that tend to be the most important are those things that are right up against the house: trees overhanging your roof, vegetation that’s touching the structure.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many homes are ignited by embers that are blown ahead of a wildfire as opposed to actually being lit by flames. If a tree or bush next to a house catches fire that way, it can spread to the house.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Defensible space can reduce that risk and also give firefighters the necessary space to maneuver and defend a home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It doesn’t have to be drastic,” said Syphard. “You can still have a lot of vegetation on your property, but reducing it by at least 20% is a critical threshold where you do significantly improve survival chances.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, she cautions that there’s no guarantee a home will be spared.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of homes with more defensible space than is even required are still destroyed by fires.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With many Californians struggling to get fire insurance policies, there’s also a push for insurance companies to consider the maintenance of defensible space when setting rates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have to look at how do we allow Californians to get maybe a discount for mitigating wildfire risk, for hardening their home … similar to what we give in terms of discounts for good drivers,” said Ricardo Lara, California’s insurance commissioner. “We’re pushing insurance companies now, and surprisingly they’re coming to the table.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cal Fire has not said what doubling inspections would cost, but if AB 1516 passes, the agency would request the funding as part of its annual budget.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We do need more resources for Cal Fire,” said Assemblymember Friedman. “I do believe that Governor Newsom is very serious about investing to make our communities more resilient to fire and he’ll see the wisdom in investing in these kinds of programs.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"780\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https://kqednews.carto.com/builder/eb7d93a3-2cc8-410e-826a-22d3e7e97721/embed\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1943058/whos-checking-homes-for-flammable-brush-in-some-high-risk-areas-maybe-no-one",
"authors": [
"239"
],
"categories": [
"science_46",
"science_31",
"science_35",
"science_40",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_3370",
"science_3833",
"science_3988",
"science_3830"
],
"featImg": "science_1943071",
"label": "source_science_1943058"
},
"science_1941376": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1941376",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1941376",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1559545307000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "we-can-make-california-wildfires-less-horrific-will-we",
"title": "We Can Make California Wildfires Less Horrific. Will We?",
"publishDate": 1559545307,
"format": "image",
"headTitle": "We Can Make California Wildfires Less Horrific. Will We? | KQED",
"labelTerm": {},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">A\u003c/span>s California wildfires scar more lives and char more property year after year, residents must now grapple with the distinct possibility of opening their front door one day to the sight of a raging inferno.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To be sure, fire has always been a part of life in the state, and it always will — many landscapes are actually unhealthy without periodic blazes. What’s new is the increasing scale of catastrophe and the corresponding toll on human life.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fires of 2017 were the worst on record, that is, until the fires of 2018. Of the \u003ca href=\"http://fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/top20_destruction.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">top 20\u003c/a> most destructive California wildfires, 10 have occured since 2015. Of the top 10, seven have burned over the last four years. (See sidebar.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote size=\"small\"]Why Are Wildfires Getting Worse?\u003cbr>\n\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/GettyImages-591627312.jpg\">\u003cbr>\nThe threat from wildfire comes partly from weak building codes, a lack of fire breaks, and poorly thought out evacuation routes, and partly from a history of logging big trees, which were replaced with those that are smaller and more flammable. More than a century of fire suppression has also resulted in the accumulation of scrub vegetation and other fuels that cover the forest floor and contribute to hotter, more destructive flames. And climate change has altered fire behavior, making it more unpredictable.[/pullquote]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Does It Have to Be This way?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s the great question,” said Scott Stephens, a professor of fire science at UC Berkeley, before thinking for a moment. “No. In a lot of ways, it could be better.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The situation can’t be fixed easily or quickly, not even in the next decade or two, Stephens says. “But you can change the trajectory of where we’re headed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Californians could have safer homes, healthier forests, cleaner air and a drastically reduced risk of catastrophic fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While this future requires sweeping changes in fire management, state and local policy, and individual behavior, California has a history of making bold changes and coming out the better. Stephens thinks the state can do it again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If this became a priority for health, for our kids, our grandkids and everybody else, it would just happen. It’s not like something that’s impossible,” he said. “It’s going to take time, but we really need to think about this and move a little bit decisively.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here, in eight stories, we examine some of the issues Californians will need to grapple with if we’re going to adapt to the increasing wildfire threat. We’re calling the series “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Living With Wildfire: California Reimagined\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can We Make Sure It Never Happens Again?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote size=\"small\"]10 Most Destructive Fires in California\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Camp Fire, Nov. 2018; 85 deaths; 18,804 structures destroyed; 153,336 acres burned in Butte County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tubbs, Oct. 2017; 22 deaths; 5,636 structures; 36,807 acres; Napa and Sonoma counties\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tunnel, Oct. 1991; 25 deaths; 2,900 structures; 1,600 acres; Alameda County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cedar, Oct. 2003; 15 deaths; 2,820 structures; 273,246 acres; San Diego County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Valley, Sept. 2015; 4 deaths; 1,955 structures; 76,067 acres; Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Witch, Oct. 2007; 2 deaths; 1,650 structures; 197,990 acres; San Diego County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Woolsey, Nov. 2018; 3 deaths; 1,643 structures; 96,949 acres; Ventura County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Carr, July 2018; 8 deaths; 1,614 structures; 229,651 acres; Shasta, Trinity counties\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>CZU August Complex, Aug. 2020; 1 death; 1,490 structures; 85,467 acres; Santa Cruz County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>LNU Lightning Complex, Aug. 2020; 5 deaths; 1,457 structures; 375,209 acres; Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo & Solano counties\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>[/pullquote]The Camp Fire that ripped through the communities of Paradise and Concow last November was the deadliest blaze anywhere in the United States in 100 years. It killed 85 people, more than the Loma Prieta earthquake, and left a path of ash and ruin that stunned people across the state. The devastation was so severe, the obvious question is:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Can we prevent it from happening again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many may think a California constantly aflame is the state’s inevitable future. But it seems worth remembering that transformations around public safety rarely come easily or unprompted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Americans were in a similar moment in 1912, after the sinking of the Titanic. It wasn’t the first time a ship had gone down, but the disaster was so high-profile, so shocking, that the public demanded immediate action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“From the moment the ship sank, it became clear that there hadn’t been provision to save everybody’s life on the ship,” said Steven Biel, a Harvard Historian and author of “\u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1426951.Down_with_the_Old_Canoe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Down with the Old Canoe: A Cultural History of the Titanic Disaster\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1941412\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1941412 size-medium\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Sto%CC%88wer_Titanic-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The sinking of the Titanic prompted swift safety overhauls for the shipping industry. Untergang der Titanic (“Sinking of the Titanic”) by Willy Stöwer, 1912\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The shipbuilders, from their perspective, took safety seriously. In fact, they’d installed more than the required number of lifeboats on board. But that number was based on a vessel’s tonnage, not on how many people it carried.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“And so there was a huge outcry about this,” Biel said. “And that’s really what led to change.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Within two years, new safety regulations were adopted worldwide, a common — and not unreasonable — reaction to catastrophes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“One of the things about the story of disasters is that we don’t want them to be meaningless,” said Biel. “We want some good to have come from this … so that supposedly this kind of thing, whatever the disaster is, will never happen again.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Collective Safety Versus Personal Freedom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If California is to do all it can to prevent disasters like the 2018 Camp Fire, it will mean working through some contentious issues. Are there some locations where we shouldn’t rebuild? Should we fine homeowners who don’t clear vegetation? Can we agree on how to manage forests?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Grappling with these questions will call on Californians to evaluate competing priorities. In some cases, personal freedom and property rights may be pitted against collective safety and the common good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That debate also played out during the years the country came to grips with its cigarette problem. The first report of the Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health in 1964 identified smoking as a cause of lung cancer. The first major studies demonstrating a link between second-hand smoke and lung cancer were published in 1981. Yet, smoking in public places such as restaurants persisted for many years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People simply took it for granted that the indoor spaces were going to be contaminated with tobacco smoke,” said James Repace, an anti-smoking advocate who helped pass some of the first nonsmoking bills in New England in the late 1970s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1941870 \" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-1020x1294.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"440\" height=\"558\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-1020x1294.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-160x203.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-800x1015.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-768x974.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-946x1200.jpg 946w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\">“At the time, the thought of telling people they couldn’t smoke wherever they liked was unthinkable,” Repace said. That started to shift when public information campaigns taught people about the dangers of breathing tobacco smoke. “You know, you might have the right to smoke, but you don’t have a right to let your smoke make other people sick.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Grassroots pressure and the political will to change led to prioritizing public health over individual desire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So it did take a generation,” said Repace. “But with respect to climate issues, we don’t have a generation. Time is running out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California state Sen. \u003ca href=\"https://sd03.senate.ca.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bill Dodd\u003c/a>, whose district includes areas burned during the 2017 Wine Country fires, already sees an attitude change among his constituents. Dodd says the once unpalatable idea of fining homeowners who don’t maintain what fire officials call “\u003ca href=\"https://calfire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/DefensibleSpaceFlyer.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">defensible space\u003c/a>” around their homes is seeming more reasonable to those who lived through recent conflagrations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Instead of government intrusion in their life,” said Dodd, characterizing the public’s change of thinking, “this is something where we all have to work together to protect not only your land, but your neighbor’s land as well, because if you don’t, that puts your neighbor in harm’s way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Americans have made great strides toward solving a host of problems. The air used to be dirtier, rivers more polluted, food-safety regulations nonexistent. Acid rain once fell from the sky and the ozone hole continually grew. These issues, if not totally behind us, are vastly improved.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is hope for our ecosystems to be more fire resilient, better adapted to climate change,” Scott Stephens said. “So there really is hope, a way to step forward.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "California is in a state of crisis over more frequent, intense and deadly wildfires. But it doesn't have to be this way. Can the state summon the will to fix the problem?",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1727135584,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 36,
"wordCount": 1480
},
"headData": {
"title": "We Can Make California Wildfires Less Horrific. Will We? | KQED",
"description": "California is in a state of crisis over more frequent, intense and deadly wildfires. But it doesn't have to be this way. Can the state summon the will to fix the problem?",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "We Can Make California Wildfires Less Horrific. Will We?",
"datePublished": "2019-06-03T00:01:47-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-23T16:53:04-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"source": "Living With Wildfire",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/VentonLivingWithWildfire1.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"audioTrackLength": 421,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/science/1941376/we-can-make-california-wildfires-less-horrific-will-we",
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">A\u003c/span>s California wildfires scar more lives and char more property year after year, residents must now grapple with the distinct possibility of opening their front door one day to the sight of a raging inferno.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To be sure, fire has always been a part of life in the state, and it always will — many landscapes are actually unhealthy without periodic blazes. What’s new is the increasing scale of catastrophe and the corresponding toll on human life.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fires of 2017 were the worst on record, that is, until the fires of 2018. Of the \u003ca href=\"http://fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/top20_destruction.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">top 20\u003c/a> most destructive California wildfires, 10 have occured since 2015. Of the top 10, seven have burned over the last four years. (See sidebar.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "Why Are Wildfires Getting Worse?\u003cbr>\n\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/GettyImages-591627312.jpg\">\u003cbr>\nThe threat from wildfire comes partly from weak building codes, a lack of fire breaks, and poorly thought out evacuation routes, and partly from a history of logging big trees, which were replaced with those that are smaller and more flammable. More than a century of fire suppression has also resulted in the accumulation of scrub vegetation and other fuels that cover the forest floor and contribute to hotter, more destructive flames. And climate change has altered fire behavior, making it more unpredictable.",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"size": "small",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Does It Have to Be This way?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“That’s the great question,” said Scott Stephens, a professor of fire science at UC Berkeley, before thinking for a moment. “No. In a lot of ways, it could be better.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The situation can’t be fixed easily or quickly, not even in the next decade or two, Stephens says. “But you can change the trajectory of where we’re headed.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Californians could have safer homes, healthier forests, cleaner air and a drastically reduced risk of catastrophic fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While this future requires sweeping changes in fire management, state and local policy, and individual behavior, California has a history of making bold changes and coming out the better. Stephens thinks the state can do it again.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If this became a priority for health, for our kids, our grandkids and everybody else, it would just happen. It’s not like something that’s impossible,” he said. “It’s going to take time, but we really need to think about this and move a little bit decisively.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here, in eight stories, we examine some of the issues Californians will need to grapple with if we’re going to adapt to the increasing wildfire threat. We’re calling the series “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/wildfires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Living With Wildfire: California Reimagined\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Can We Make Sure It Never Happens Again?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "10 Most Destructive Fires in California\u003c/p>\n\u003cul>\n\u003cli>Camp Fire, Nov. 2018; 85 deaths; 18,804 structures destroyed; 153,336 acres burned in Butte County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tubbs, Oct. 2017; 22 deaths; 5,636 structures; 36,807 acres; Napa and Sonoma counties\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Tunnel, Oct. 1991; 25 deaths; 2,900 structures; 1,600 acres; Alameda County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Cedar, Oct. 2003; 15 deaths; 2,820 structures; 273,246 acres; San Diego County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Valley, Sept. 2015; 4 deaths; 1,955 structures; 76,067 acres; Lake, Napa and Sonoma counties\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Witch, Oct. 2007; 2 deaths; 1,650 structures; 197,990 acres; San Diego County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Woolsey, Nov. 2018; 3 deaths; 1,643 structures; 96,949 acres; Ventura County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Carr, July 2018; 8 deaths; 1,614 structures; 229,651 acres; Shasta, Trinity counties\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>CZU August Complex, Aug. 2020; 1 death; 1,490 structures; 85,467 acres; Santa Cruz County\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>LNU Lightning Complex, Aug. 2020; 5 deaths; 1,457 structures; 375,209 acres; Lake, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo & Solano counties\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\u003cp>",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"size": "small",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The Camp Fire that ripped through the communities of Paradise and Concow last November was the deadliest blaze anywhere in the United States in 100 years. It killed 85 people, more than the Loma Prieta earthquake, and left a path of ash and ruin that stunned people across the state. The devastation was so severe, the obvious question is:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Can we prevent it from happening again?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many may think a California constantly aflame is the state’s inevitable future. But it seems worth remembering that transformations around public safety rarely come easily or unprompted.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Americans were in a similar moment in 1912, after the sinking of the Titanic. It wasn’t the first time a ship had gone down, but the disaster was so high-profile, so shocking, that the public demanded immediate action.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“From the moment the ship sank, it became clear that there hadn’t been provision to save everybody’s life on the ship,” said Steven Biel, a Harvard Historian and author of “\u003ca href=\"https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1426951.Down_with_the_Old_Canoe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Down with the Old Canoe: A Cultural History of the Titanic Disaster\u003c/a>.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1941412\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1941412 size-medium\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Sto%CC%88wer_Titanic-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/05/20120507201420Stöwer_Titanic.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The sinking of the Titanic prompted swift safety overhauls for the shipping industry. Untergang der Titanic (“Sinking of the Titanic”) by Willy Stöwer, 1912\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The shipbuilders, from their perspective, took safety seriously. In fact, they’d installed more than the required number of lifeboats on board. But that number was based on a vessel’s tonnage, not on how many people it carried.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“And so there was a huge outcry about this,” Biel said. “And that’s really what led to change.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Within two years, new safety regulations were adopted worldwide, a common — and not unreasonable — reaction to catastrophes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“One of the things about the story of disasters is that we don’t want them to be meaningless,” said Biel. “We want some good to have come from this … so that supposedly this kind of thing, whatever the disaster is, will never happen again.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Collective Safety Versus Personal Freedom\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If California is to do all it can to prevent disasters like the 2018 Camp Fire, it will mean working through some contentious issues. Are there some locations where we shouldn’t rebuild? Should we fine homeowners who don’t clear vegetation? Can we agree on how to manage forests?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Grappling with these questions will call on Californians to evaluate competing priorities. In some cases, personal freedom and property rights may be pitted against collective safety and the common good.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That debate also played out during the years the country came to grips with its cigarette problem. The first report of the Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health in 1964 identified smoking as a cause of lung cancer. The first major studies demonstrating a link between second-hand smoke and lung cancer were published in 1981. Yet, smoking in public places such as restaurants persisted for many years.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People simply took it for granted that the indoor spaces were going to be contaminated with tobacco smoke,” said James Repace, an anti-smoking advocate who helped pass some of the first nonsmoking bills in New England in the late 1970s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1941870 \" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-1020x1294.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"440\" height=\"558\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-1020x1294.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-160x203.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-800x1015.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-768x974.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09-946x1200.jpg 946w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/babies_09.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\">“At the time, the thought of telling people they couldn’t smoke wherever they liked was unthinkable,” Repace said. That started to shift when public information campaigns taught people about the dangers of breathing tobacco smoke. “You know, you might have the right to smoke, but you don’t have a right to let your smoke make other people sick.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Grassroots pressure and the political will to change led to prioritizing public health over individual desire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“So it did take a generation,” said Repace. “But with respect to climate issues, we don’t have a generation. Time is running out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California state Sen. \u003ca href=\"https://sd03.senate.ca.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bill Dodd\u003c/a>, whose district includes areas burned during the 2017 Wine Country fires, already sees an attitude change among his constituents. Dodd says the once unpalatable idea of fining homeowners who don’t maintain what fire officials call “\u003ca href=\"https://calfire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/DefensibleSpaceFlyer.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">defensible space\u003c/a>” around their homes is seeming more reasonable to those who lived through recent conflagrations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Instead of government intrusion in their life,” said Dodd, characterizing the public’s change of thinking, “this is something where we all have to work together to protect not only your land, but your neighbor’s land as well, because if you don’t, that puts your neighbor in harm’s way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Americans have made great strides toward solving a host of problems. The air used to be dirtier, rivers more polluted, food-safety regulations nonexistent. Acid rain once fell from the sky and the ozone hole continually grew. These issues, if not totally behind us, are vastly improved.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There is hope for our ecosystems to be more fire resilient, better adapted to climate change,” Scott Stephens said. “So there really is hope, a way to step forward.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1941376/we-can-make-california-wildfires-less-horrific-will-we",
"authors": [
"11088"
],
"programs": [
"science_5376"
],
"categories": [
"science_35",
"science_40",
"science_5141",
"science_3423",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_3833",
"science_3988",
"science_3830",
"science_113"
],
"featImg": "science_1942463",
"label": "source_science_1941376"
},
"science_1942547": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1942547",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1942547",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1559545294000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1559545294,
"format": "audio",
"title": "In the Age of Fast-Moving Fires, What's the Best Way to Get People Out?",
"headTitle": "In the Age of Fast-Moving Fires, What’s the Best Way to Get People Out? | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">F\u003c/span>oresthill Road, which extends from Interstate 80 deep into the Tahoe National Forest, is a beautiful drive. Well-paved and scenic, it takes you across the North Fork American River over the breathtaking Foresthill Bridge, one of the tallest spans in the country. As you move farther from the highway and closer to the Sierra Nevada Foothills, it’s the density of the growing number of trees lining each side of the roadway that claims your attention.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote size=\"medium\"]New ideas on how to protect residents when the entire community is engulfed in flames include ditching a single ‘this way out’ evacuation route.[/pullquote]The road’s 5-star \u003ca href=\"https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32396-d113865-r275617274-Foresthill_Divide-Foresthill_California.html\">TripAdvisor rating\u003c/a> makes sense; it’s the kind of drive you take for fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet, it’s also the source of considerable anxiety for Foresthill, a community of around 1,500 residents. That’s because there’s only a single main route in and out of town, and Foresthill Road, with one narrow lane going and one narrow lane coming, is it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Potential Disaster\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During a wildfire, you could imagine, the roads would clutter with the cars of panicking people all trying to make it out of town one step ahead of the flames.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s something Gary Kirk thinks about. A lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A single ingress-egress is not good for a community,” said Kirk, a volunteer firefighter for decades who worked his way up to captain at the Foresthill Fire Protection District. He’s retired now and spends his time as director of the Foresthill Fire Safe Council, a nonprofit group working to keep residents prepared for wildfires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He knows this community inside and out — what makes it prone to wildfire danger and what makes it a beautiful place to live. He’s hunted and fished in the area for years, and he loves living in the forest. But in the event of a wildfire, he said, Foresthill Road could be disastrous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know Paradise. I’ve been there several times. And Skyway was just like Foresthill Road,” he said, referring to the main route out of the town that last year became \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/paradise\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">synonymous\u003c/a> with lethal California fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Compared to Paradise, according to a USA Today-California Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.apnews.com/6f621c1c54734d0b95d374556c2cf5c0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">analysis\u003c/a> of wildfire evacuation routes, Foresthill actually has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20190504/few-ways-out-escape-routes-limited-in-california-towns-at-risk-from-fires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">worse population-to-lane ratio\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kirk’s not the only one who worries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s a big concern for most of the people here,” said Shonne Elgin, a resident since 1989.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942699\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942699\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-800x546.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"546\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-800x546.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-768x524.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-1020x696.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-1200x819.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Foresthill Road in Foresthill, California is the only main route in and out of town. \u003ccite>(Lindsey Moore/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>‘The Fire Was Outrunning Us’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the Camp Fire swept through Paradise in November 2018, residents took to Skyway en masse, and 27,000 people, with flames bearing down, were caught in gridlock. Some residents abandoned their cars to flee on foot. Others were found dead in their vehicles. For some who made it out, it took up to 10 hours to get to an evacuation center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The fire was outrunning us, in terms of our ability to notify people, get evacuations done, before we even knew we were in a race.” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">told\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">KQED\u003c/a> in the aftermath of the catastrophe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Are there better ways to notify people? Are there better ways to conduct evacuations? Those are all things that I want to look at, perhaps have studies done, to determine if there are lessons to be learned.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, Honea said, nothing could have prepared Butte County and Paradise for the disaster of the Camp Fire. The town and county indeed had an \u003ca href=\"https://www.townofparadise.com/index.php/residents/emergency-services-information\">evacuation\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.townofparadise.com/index.php/residents/emergency-services-information\">plan\u003c/a>, one that included dividing the town into 14 zones, the creation of assembly areas, and even a fire drill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The systems that the county put in place helped to get tens of thousands of people to safety, Honea said, but they still couldn’t defend against the speed of the Camp Fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Is the system perfect?” he said. “There’s no system that is ever perfect.”\u003cbr>\n[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Rethinking Evacuations\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many other towns living under the threat of wildfire don’t have a plan, perfect or not. A recent USA Today California Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article229547244.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">survey\u003c/a> found that just 22 percent of at-risk communities have robust evacuation plans available to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Placer County, which would oversee an evacuation of Foresthill, is working on its own blueprint for leaving town during a wildfire, and officials hope to have it finished this summer. But it’s not necessarily one you might expect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of people think that we’re going to come up with a specific evacuation route — that this is the way you have to go out. And that’s just not the case, because the fire’s going to predict how we’re going to do the evacuation,” said Ty Conners, a sergeant with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, who works as the station commander for Colfax and Foresthill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Conners was a first responder during the Camp Fire and saw for himself what happens when an entire community tries to leave on one road.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They had a very good evacuation plan,” Conners said. “Only thing is, that fire was moving so fast that even if you have the best plan, you can’t beat the fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeing the devastation in Butte County has caused Conners to re-examine town evacuations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Giving people an evacuation route, trying to get them out— yeah, it’s important,” he said. “But if you’re not going to be able to do it … divert people to these temporary safe refuge areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea is that if you have a fast-moving fire and only one way out, residents would be directed to somewhere in town with defensible space and fewer trees, making it safe to take shelter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Foresthill, Conners said, that could be the local high school.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The Foresthill High School has a huge area of clear-cut,” he said. “That’s a place that’s a temporary safe refuge for people to congregate and go while the actual fire front pushes through, and then you can evacuate them out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Simulating Disaster\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Temporary refuge could indeed be the answer when there’s a fast-moving fire and limited escape routes, says Dapeng Li, an assistant professor of geography at South Dakota State University.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There are many places we can use as the shelters,” Li said. “For example, places like high schools, where there are a lot of open spaces, or other facilities in town.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Li studies wildfire evacuations by overlaying fire progression models with traffic simulations to see how incoming flames can influence exit plans, making them dynamic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We could use a traffic simulation model to estimate how much time we would need for the community to evacuate,” he said. “If we don’t have enough lead time, we might need to ask them to go to those shelters or to shelter in place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Using this modeling technique, Li said, a community can virtually explore an infinite number of evacuation scenarios when it comes to how a wildfire progresses. For example, officials might see what would happen when a fire is spreading from a particular direction and shutting down a specific portion of roadway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We can also do simulations [for] if we build a new evacuation route,” Li said. “That could be used for planning and transportation purposes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea is that if emergency managers were to model different wildfire situations, they could devise multiple plans from which to choose when disaster strikes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California counties could make use of similar models in order to create contingency evacuation plans, Li said, but it would take time, resources and a lot of training.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we are to make an evacuation plan, we need to consider different scenarios,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942701\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942701\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gary Kirk, Foresthill Firesafe Council director, outside of the Foresthill fire station, May 20, 2019. \u003ccite>(Lindsey Moore/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>It Starts With an Alert\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if a community has foolproof and adaptable evacuation protocols in place, there’s still the matter of letting residents know there’s a wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During both the Camp Fire and the North Bay fires of 2017, county officials came under scrutiny for using so-called “opt-in” alert systems, which only sent emergency notifications to people if they’d signed up for the service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Butte County, that emergency system is called “\u003ca href=\"https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFA19C579EA5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Code Red\u003c/a>.” In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, many residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">told\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">KQED\u003c/a> they didn’t learn about the fire from officials, but rather through word of mouth, media reports, or actually seeing or smelling flames.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In March, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services released statewide \u003ca href=\"http://calalerts.org/documents/2019-CA-Alert-Warning-Guidelines.pdf\">guidelines\u003c/a> for counties on how to issue emergency alerts. The 85-page document suggests a number of ways communities can better prepare for disasters, including using Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, a system run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that allows geo-targeted notifications to be sent, much like an amber alert, to every cellphone in a given area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The guidelines provide “consistency across all of our 58 counties and jurisdictions,” said Cal OES director Mark Ghilarducci. While the suggested protocols stop short of requiring use of WEA, Ghilarducci hopes they’ll push communities in the right direction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Without establishing a mandate, [we] recommend the use of WEA and the expectation [is] that all of the counties would use WEA,” he said. “And this guideline was put together as a collaborative effort with our local government partners, and every indication is that that will become the standard bearer in the state.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Officials in Placer County are prepared to use WEA in the event of a devastating fire in Foresthill, according to Holly Powers, the county’s assistant director of emergency services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our alerting protocol is across the board,” she said, noting that in some remote areas WEA may not be enough to reach every resident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Something that a lot of people may not realize is that WEA is based on cell towers and cell data,” Powers said. “So if you have a fire that burns down a cell tower, even if I sent a WEA alert, it’s not going to be able to go through.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>‘Be Prepared’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For isolated areas like Foresthill, where cell service could be an issue, it’s important for people to know one another and to stay informed, says Gary Kirk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s where his Fire Safe Council comes in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This time of the year is when we start really ramping up to get this information out to people,” Kirk said. “We do hold meetings once a month, and we get the community together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are also communities in the area certified by the National Fire Protection Association’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Firewise-USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Firewise USA program\u003c/a>, Kirk said. The program teaches wildfire preparedness and fire safety initiatives, such as brush clearing. Kirk said these communities could potentially serve as temporary refuge during a fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, the entire town isn’t showing up to Kirk’s monthly meetings. But the idea is that if you get some people informed, they’ll spread the word about what to do in the event of a fire, until eventually everyone is living and breathing fire safety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a chain reaction that we try to create,” he said. “And it works.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, for a community like Foresthill, there’s no real formula for an evacuation where everything goes just right. If you’re living in an isolated and fire-prone area, the most important thing is:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Always be ready.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=pfbEcMeYFFA\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 2056,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 60
},
"modified": 1704848637,
"excerpt": "During the Camp Fire, residents of Paradise, California took to the one main road out of town, and it quickly became a parking lot. So some communities and academics are looking at new ways to evacuate during a fast-moving blaze.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "During the Camp Fire, residents of Paradise, California took to the one main road out of town, and it quickly became a parking lot. So some communities and academics are looking at new ways to evacuate during a fast-moving blaze.",
"title": "In the Age of Fast-Moving Fires, What's the Best Way to Get People Out? | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "In the Age of Fast-Moving Fires, What's the Best Way to Get People Out?",
"datePublished": "2019-06-03T00:01:34-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-01-09T17:03:57-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "in-the-age-of-the-crazy-fast-fire-a-good-evacuation-plan-may-not-be-enough",
"status": "publish",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/SiegelLivingWithWildfireEvacuations.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"audioTrackLength": 424,
"source": "Living With Wildfire",
"path": "/science/1942547/in-the-age-of-the-crazy-fast-fire-a-good-evacuation-plan-may-not-be-enough",
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">F\u003c/span>oresthill Road, which extends from Interstate 80 deep into the Tahoe National Forest, is a beautiful drive. Well-paved and scenic, it takes you across the North Fork American River over the breathtaking Foresthill Bridge, one of the tallest spans in the country. As you move farther from the highway and closer to the Sierra Nevada Foothills, it’s the density of the growing number of trees lining each side of the roadway that claims your attention.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "New ideas on how to protect residents when the entire community is engulfed in flames include ditching a single ‘this way out’ evacuation route.",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"size": "medium",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The road’s 5-star \u003ca href=\"https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32396-d113865-r275617274-Foresthill_Divide-Foresthill_California.html\">TripAdvisor rating\u003c/a> makes sense; it’s the kind of drive you take for fun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Yet, it’s also the source of considerable anxiety for Foresthill, a community of around 1,500 residents. That’s because there’s only a single main route in and out of town, and Foresthill Road, with one narrow lane going and one narrow lane coming, is it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Potential Disaster\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During a wildfire, you could imagine, the roads would clutter with the cars of panicking people all trying to make it out of town one step ahead of the flames.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s something Gary Kirk thinks about. A lot.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A single ingress-egress is not good for a community,” said Kirk, a volunteer firefighter for decades who worked his way up to captain at the Foresthill Fire Protection District. He’s retired now and spends his time as director of the Foresthill Fire Safe Council, a nonprofit group working to keep residents prepared for wildfires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He knows this community inside and out — what makes it prone to wildfire danger and what makes it a beautiful place to live. He’s hunted and fished in the area for years, and he loves living in the forest. But in the event of a wildfire, he said, Foresthill Road could be disastrous.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I know Paradise. I’ve been there several times. And Skyway was just like Foresthill Road,” he said, referring to the main route out of the town that last year became \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/paradise\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">synonymous\u003c/a> with lethal California fires.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Compared to Paradise, according to a USA Today-California Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.apnews.com/6f621c1c54734d0b95d374556c2cf5c0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">analysis\u003c/a> of wildfire evacuation routes, Foresthill actually has a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20190504/few-ways-out-escape-routes-limited-in-california-towns-at-risk-from-fires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">worse population-to-lane ratio\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Kirk’s not the only one who worries.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I think it’s a big concern for most of the people here,” said Shonne Elgin, a resident since 1989.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942699\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942699\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-800x546.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"546\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-800x546.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-768x524.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-1020x696.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire-1200x819.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-Wildfire.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Foresthill Road in Foresthill, California is the only main route in and out of town. \u003ccite>(Lindsey Moore/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>‘The Fire Was Outrunning Us’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>When the Camp Fire swept through Paradise in November 2018, residents took to Skyway en masse, and 27,000 people, with flames bearing down, were caught in gridlock. Some residents abandoned their cars to flee on foot. Others were found dead in their vehicles. For some who made it out, it took up to 10 hours to get to an evacuation center.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The fire was outrunning us, in terms of our ability to notify people, get evacuations done, before we even knew we were in a race.” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">told\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">KQED\u003c/a> in the aftermath of the catastrophe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Are there better ways to notify people? Are there better ways to conduct evacuations? Those are all things that I want to look at, perhaps have studies done, to determine if there are lessons to be learned.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, Honea said, nothing could have prepared Butte County and Paradise for the disaster of the Camp Fire. The town and county indeed had an \u003ca href=\"https://www.townofparadise.com/index.php/residents/emergency-services-information\">evacuation\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.townofparadise.com/index.php/residents/emergency-services-information\">plan\u003c/a>, one that included dividing the town into 14 zones, the creation of assembly areas, and even a fire drill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The systems that the county put in place helped to get tens of thousands of people to safety, Honea said, but they still couldn’t defend against the speed of the Camp Fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Is the system perfect?” he said. “There’s no system that is ever perfect.”\u003cbr>\n\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Rethinking Evacuations\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many other towns living under the threat of wildfire don’t have a plan, perfect or not. A recent USA Today California Network \u003ca href=\"https://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article229547244.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">survey\u003c/a> found that just 22 percent of at-risk communities have robust evacuation plans available to the public.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Placer County, which would oversee an evacuation of Foresthill, is working on its own blueprint for leaving town during a wildfire, and officials hope to have it finished this summer. But it’s not necessarily one you might expect.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“A lot of people think that we’re going to come up with a specific evacuation route — that this is the way you have to go out. And that’s just not the case, because the fire’s going to predict how we’re going to do the evacuation,” said Ty Conners, a sergeant with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, who works as the station commander for Colfax and Foresthill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Conners was a first responder during the Camp Fire and saw for himself what happens when an entire community tries to leave on one road.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They had a very good evacuation plan,” Conners said. “Only thing is, that fire was moving so fast that even if you have the best plan, you can’t beat the fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeing the devastation in Butte County has caused Conners to re-examine town evacuations.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Giving people an evacuation route, trying to get them out— yeah, it’s important,” he said. “But if you’re not going to be able to do it … divert people to these temporary safe refuge areas.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea is that if you have a fast-moving fire and only one way out, residents would be directed to somewhere in town with defensible space and fewer trees, making it safe to take shelter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Foresthill, Conners said, that could be the local high school.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The Foresthill High School has a huge area of clear-cut,” he said. “That’s a place that’s a temporary safe refuge for people to congregate and go while the actual fire front pushes through, and then you can evacuate them out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Simulating Disaster\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Temporary refuge could indeed be the answer when there’s a fast-moving fire and limited escape routes, says Dapeng Li, an assistant professor of geography at South Dakota State University.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There are many places we can use as the shelters,” Li said. “For example, places like high schools, where there are a lot of open spaces, or other facilities in town.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Li studies wildfire evacuations by overlaying fire progression models with traffic simulations to see how incoming flames can influence exit plans, making them dynamic.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We could use a traffic simulation model to estimate how much time we would need for the community to evacuate,” he said. “If we don’t have enough lead time, we might need to ask them to go to those shelters or to shelter in place.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Using this modeling technique, Li said, a community can virtually explore an infinite number of evacuation scenarios when it comes to how a wildfire progresses. For example, officials might see what would happen when a fire is spreading from a particular direction and shutting down a specific portion of roadway.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We can also do simulations [for] if we build a new evacuation route,” Li said. “That could be used for planning and transportation purposes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea is that if emergency managers were to model different wildfire situations, they could devise multiple plans from which to choose when disaster strikes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California counties could make use of similar models in order to create contingency evacuation plans, Li said, but it would take time, resources and a lot of training.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If we are to make an evacuation plan, we need to consider different scenarios,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942701\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942701\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Foresthill-evacuations-wildfire.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gary Kirk, Foresthill Firesafe Council director, outside of the Foresthill fire station, May 20, 2019. \u003ccite>(Lindsey Moore/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>It Starts With an Alert\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if a community has foolproof and adaptable evacuation protocols in place, there’s still the matter of letting residents know there’s a wildfire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During both the Camp Fire and the North Bay fires of 2017, county officials came under scrutiny for using so-called “opt-in” alert systems, which only sent emergency notifications to people if they’d signed up for the service.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Butte County, that emergency system is called “\u003ca href=\"https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFA19C579EA5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Code Red\u003c/a>.” In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, many residents \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">told\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11711175/butte-county-to-reassess-emergency-alert-system-in-aftermath-of-camp-fire\">KQED\u003c/a> they didn’t learn about the fire from officials, but rather through word of mouth, media reports, or actually seeing or smelling flames.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In March, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services released statewide \u003ca href=\"http://calalerts.org/documents/2019-CA-Alert-Warning-Guidelines.pdf\">guidelines\u003c/a> for counties on how to issue emergency alerts. The 85-page document suggests a number of ways communities can better prepare for disasters, including using Wireless Emergency Alerts, or WEA, a system run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that allows geo-targeted notifications to be sent, much like an amber alert, to every cellphone in a given area.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The guidelines provide “consistency across all of our 58 counties and jurisdictions,” said Cal OES director Mark Ghilarducci. While the suggested protocols stop short of requiring use of WEA, Ghilarducci hopes they’ll push communities in the right direction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Without establishing a mandate, [we] recommend the use of WEA and the expectation [is] that all of the counties would use WEA,” he said. “And this guideline was put together as a collaborative effort with our local government partners, and every indication is that that will become the standard bearer in the state.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Officials in Placer County are prepared to use WEA in the event of a devastating fire in Foresthill, according to Holly Powers, the county’s assistant director of emergency services.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Our alerting protocol is across the board,” she said, noting that in some remote areas WEA may not be enough to reach every resident.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Something that a lot of people may not realize is that WEA is based on cell towers and cell data,” Powers said. “So if you have a fire that burns down a cell tower, even if I sent a WEA alert, it’s not going to be able to go through.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>‘Be Prepared’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For isolated areas like Foresthill, where cell service could be an issue, it’s important for people to know one another and to stay informed, says Gary Kirk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s where his Fire Safe Council comes in.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This time of the year is when we start really ramping up to get this information out to people,” Kirk said. “We do hold meetings once a month, and we get the community together.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are also communities in the area certified by the National Fire Protection Association’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Wildfire/Firewise-USA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Firewise USA program\u003c/a>, Kirk said. The program teaches wildfire preparedness and fire safety initiatives, such as brush clearing. Kirk said these communities could potentially serve as temporary refuge during a fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Of course, the entire town isn’t showing up to Kirk’s monthly meetings. But the idea is that if you get some people informed, they’ll spread the word about what to do in the event of a fire, until eventually everyone is living and breathing fire safety.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s a chain reaction that we try to create,” he said. “And it works.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, for a community like Foresthill, there’s no real formula for an evacuation where everything goes just right. If you’re living in an isolated and fire-prone area, the most important thing is:\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Always be ready.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/pfbEcMeYFFA'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/pfbEcMeYFFA'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1942547/in-the-age-of-the-crazy-fast-fire-a-good-evacuation-plan-may-not-be-enough",
"authors": [
"11258"
],
"categories": [
"science_40",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_3833",
"science_3988",
"science_3830",
"science_113"
],
"featImg": "science_1942662",
"label": "source_science_1942547"
},
"science_1942299": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1942299",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1942299",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1559545289000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1559545289,
"format": "audio",
"title": "Town Unites Against Federal Mismanagement to Save Forest",
"headTitle": "Town Unites Against Federal Mismanagement to Save Forest | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">T\u003c/span>he forest once tore this town apart.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the northwest corner of California, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/wildview?wid=611\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trinity Alps\u003c/a> tumble down to Weaverville, a community of around 3,600 people. Below the subalpine mountains, the basin has a more Mediterranean climate, and summers are dry as a bone. Most of Trinity County is federal land, including two national forests. Their complex landscape of oak woodland is thick with manzanita brush, mixed with chaparral and dense, creeping pines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"right\"]In the northwest corner of California, residents assumed local control of the forest through an agreement with the federal government. ‘We assume it’s someone else’s responsibility at our peril,” said Nick Goulette, director of a local land stewardship group. ‘We have to save ourselves.’[/pullquote]Tensions over clear-cut logging and the fate of spotted owls once turned the county into a battleground, sharpening a sprawling argument to a fine point in the 1990s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You either wanted to exploit the forest or protect it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Things have changed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As trees across the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers national forests have become drought-stressed and overcrowded, basically all but asking to burn, it’s the forest that has brought people back together. Now, a locally driven partnership forged to make a small community forest healthier is kindling a wider push for resilience and reducing fire risk across the entire county. Community members say a key \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1927354/controlled-burns-can-help-solve-californias-fire-problem-so-why-arent-there-more-of-them\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">strategy\u003c/a> will be preventing what are often high-intensity wildfires by implementing lower-intensity prescribed burns to eradicate chip-dry tinder and grasses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There will be fire on this entire landscape. Do we want it to be controlled or do we want it to be out of control?” said Alex Cousins, a lifelong county resident. “We need to leave these forests ready to accept fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>After Prescribed Burn, Wildfire ‘Just Laid Down’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Preparing for fire has already helped suppress one near Weaverville.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forested slopes bear the scars of five wildfires, which threatened the community over the last two decades. In August 2014, a spark from a boat that had come off its trailer hit Highway 299 and lifted into the tree crowns. The resulting flames, which turned into the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/145826/california-wildfire-roundup-blaze-burns-close-to-weaverville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oregon Fire\u003c/a>, raced across the tight canopy, forcing evacuations and threatening the high school.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nine months before, however, federal and local partners removed some trees and thinned brush in an area called Five Cent Gulch. They then lit a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3815317.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prescribed fire\u003c/a> to burn away remaining brush, logs, snags and forest debris. So when the Oregon Fire came along to threaten the area, the lack of heavy fuel on the land slowed it down, enabling crews and tanker planes to catch up and gain control.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942718\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 320px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-1200x899.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"479\" class=\"size-complete_open_graph wp-image-1942718\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-1200x899.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-1020x764.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dylan Sheedy, a ‘burn boss’ with The Watershed Center in Trinity County, torches piles of manzanita brusch cleared from private land in Hayfork, California.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The fire ran head on into this thinned and burned unit, and the fire just laid down,” said Nick Goulette, who directs the Watershed Center, a local land stewardship group. “My home was evacuated as a part of that fire, so I was very thankful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Five Cent Gulch is located within the \u003ca href=\"https://tcrcd.net/wcf/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Weaverville Community Forest\u003c/a>, made up of some 13,000 acres \u003ca href=\"https://www.tcrcd.net/wcf/pdf/WCF_Master_Stewardship_Agreement_USFS_2019_Signed.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">governed\u003c/a> by one of the first federal master stewardship agreements in the country. Authorized by Congress in 2003, these arrangements permit communities and other interested parties to support and fund restoration projects on forest land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re seeing more and more collaboratives not only be formed but also be effective in terms of trying to deal with forest health issues,” said Al Olson, who directs ecosystem services for the U.S. Forest Service across California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reducing fire risk through active management has been a goal of the community forest since its inception, says Kelly Sheen, executive director of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.tcrcd.net/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trinity County Resource Conservation District\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>Not\u003c/em> managing it is not an effective tool for managing the forest,” Sheen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reducing fuels by thinning the understory, removing trees to open up canopy, and burning what’s left on the ground is the strategy that scientists and policymakers say California forests need. Last year, Cal Fire announced it intended to triple the amount of land it treats in order to reduce risk. The U.S. Forest Service says its goal in 2019 is to treat 250,000 acres by either reducing and rearranging vegetation or with prescribed burns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Weaverville, working with the federal government to utilize more fire on the Trinity County landscape has been a huge shift.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Common Foe\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the 1980s and ‘90s, the heat of the Timber Wars poured into every public space in the area, says Bob Morris, a 45-year Trinity County resident and environmentalist. In a small town, there’s no place to hide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It was terrible,” Morris said. “Death threats were common. People were arming themselves.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It got so bad, parents told their children not to walk in front of windows at night. Morris’ neighbor, a logger named Clarence Rose, became, literally, his enemy, and Rose felt the same way about him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, a common foe emerged.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What got people talking again was what Morris calls the “dysfunctionality” of federal forest management.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Environmentalists saw it, industry saw it, and that was our first unifying ‘we have something in common,’ that was the first thing that we saw.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942719\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942719\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Trinity River Lumber Mill, the last mill open in the county, has been modified since the ‘Timber Wars’ of the 1990s to handle small- to medium-sized logs, the kind that are cut through ecologically responsible thinning. \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Morris and Rose shared a growing concern about decisions made by the U.S. Forest Service in Shasta -Trinity. Then, in 1999, the Bureau of Land Management \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/31/us/controlled-blaze-that-wasn-t-haunts-firefighters-in-california.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lost control\u003c/a> of a prescribed fire, which accidentally destroyed 23 homes in Lewiston. Around the same time, BLM proposed a land swap with a private timber company of nearly 1,000 acres near Weaverville, a trade that would have likely clear-cut trees out of some of the best views in town.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That proposal galvanized local concern for the forest. After years of negotiations, those BLM acres became the first patch of the Weaverville Community Forest. Ever since, the former enemies, environmentalist Bob Morris and ex-logger Clarence Rose, have served as two of the land’s informal stewards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Once you find areas of agreement, you can make huge progress,” said Morris. “Dissimilar interests finding common ground and working together, it’s been huge, a huge change after 40 years of polarization.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From the start, the community has stuck to certain values: fire reduction, preserving views and recreational access, and responsible timber harvesting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m proud of it, actually,” Morris said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And he and the other stewards hope their community forest is only the beginning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ecologically Responsible Thinning\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his boyhood, Kelly Sheen says, the forest was just a playground, the place where he ate from invasive blackberry plants and roamed off undermaintained trails.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I took it for granted,” Sheen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"right\" citation=\"Alex Cousins, Trinity County Collaborative\"]‘We’re tired of living in smoke.’[/pullquote]Now, as chief local steward for the Weaverville Community Forest, he has mapped its every inch. Timber sales and restoration projects have improved the forest’s health, and there’s a new understanding of the benefits that prescribed burns can bring to the ecology of the land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Larger and more deadly blazes like the Carr Fire only amplify the risk of a catastrophe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People have started thinking about things on a much more holistic level and across the landscape,” Sheen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeing the community forest as a success, he and other stewards take part in the Trinity County Collaborative, a group formed to expand the application of local values to a wider swath of forest whose health is mixed, at best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In California, some forest stands are \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/core/lw/2.0/html/tileshop_pmc/tileshop_pmc_inline.html?title=Click%20on%20image%20to%20zoom&p=PMC3&id=4321274_pnas.1410186112fig02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">five times as dense\u003c/a> as in the past. Oaks and conifers increasingly compete for nutrients and water, while invasive beetles threaten pines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fire scientists generally \u003ca href=\"https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/files/research/projects/WildfireCommonGround.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">agree\u003c/a> on what might help forest lands in Trinity County and Northern California. But while “brush-crushing” and removal of some trees make sense, these practices alone don’t make a forest healthier. That’s why locals here say adding fire back to the landscape has to be the linchpin of any restoration strategy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Weaverville Community Forest, three timber sales have yielded funds, called “retained receipts,” that have helped pay for restoration initiatives, including the one at Five Cent Gulch. Several members of the Trinity County Collaborative say this model could work across Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers national forests, as well as throughout the county.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Advocates like Sheen, Goulette and Morris, who represent different factions and priorities on forest issues, are united in distinguishing ecologically responsible thinning from the logging practices of the past.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All of this isn’t just based on what we want, it’s based on science,” said Alex Cousins, another collaborative member.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cousins used to have Sheen’s job running the Weaverville Community Forest. Now he sells timber for the Trinity River Lumber Company, the last of what was once 14 mills in the county and the area’s largest private employer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A sustainable, restoration-focused local economy is a collaborative goal, too, Cousins says. “We’ve got all of our eggs in this basket,” he said. “We want to see these forests managed, we want to see this mill as a part of that, not as a sole reason for that. And we’re tired of living in smoke.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Trinity County, the choice to use the forest or protect it no longer seems binary. Among forest stewards, the idea now is to do a bit of both.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Federal Underfunding\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For all the change in local values, the federal government still controls most of the county’s land, and federal budgets still don’t reflect the vision that’s taken root in Weaverville.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Data compiled by the nonprofit news organization Climate Central shows that across California, the U.S. Forest Service spends more than five times as much on suppressing fires as it does on prescribed burns and preparing for fire’s inevitable return.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a result, most fires on federal land are still uncontrolled, and they’re often high-intensity. Planned burns are used on only about a tenth as much land as the U.S. Forest Service says it wants to actively manage for fire risk each year. Meanwhile, in that same time period, wildfires have burned 10 times as many acres in California’s federal forests as were treated in prescribed fires, according to an analysis of the Climate Central data by KQED.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why people here aren’t waiting for the federal government or state authorities. Or, for that matter, the local fire department. The Watershed Center’s Nick Goulette says those agencies and institutions won’t save us. If a community wants to protect its values and its land, the message from Weaverville is clear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We assume it’s someone else’s responsibility at our peril,” Goulette says. “We have to save ourselves.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1952,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 54
},
"modified": 1704848640,
"excerpt": "Conflicts over logging once tore the town of Weaverville apart. But after missteps by the federal government, all sides found a common purpose: taking local control of the forest to preserve its health and prevent wildfire.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "Conflicts over logging once tore the town of Weaverville apart. But after missteps by the federal government, all sides found a common purpose: taking local control of the forest to preserve its health and prevent wildfire.",
"title": "Town Unites Against Federal Mismanagement to Save Forest | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Town Unites Against Federal Mismanagement to Save Forest",
"datePublished": "2019-06-03T00:01:29-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-01-09T17:04:00-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "onetime-enemies-over-logging-are-now-a-community-to-prevent-wildfire",
"status": "publish",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/RDnews/2019/06/PetersonFireBseg.mp3",
"sticky": false,
"audioTrackLength": 422,
"source": "Living With Wildfire",
"path": "/science/1942299/onetime-enemies-over-logging-are-now-a-community-to-prevent-wildfire",
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">T\u003c/span>he forest once tore this town apart.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the northwest corner of California, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/wildview?wid=611\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trinity Alps\u003c/a> tumble down to Weaverville, a community of around 3,600 people. Below the subalpine mountains, the basin has a more Mediterranean climate, and summers are dry as a bone. Most of Trinity County is federal land, including two national forests. Their complex landscape of oak woodland is thick with manzanita brush, mixed with chaparral and dense, creeping pines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "In the northwest corner of California, residents assumed local control of the forest through an agreement with the federal government. ‘We assume it’s someone else’s responsibility at our peril,” said Nick Goulette, director of a local land stewardship group. ‘We have to save ourselves.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "right",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Tensions over clear-cut logging and the fate of spotted owls once turned the county into a battleground, sharpening a sprawling argument to a fine point in the 1990s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>You either wanted to exploit the forest or protect it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Things have changed.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As trees across the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers national forests have become drought-stressed and overcrowded, basically all but asking to burn, it’s the forest that has brought people back together. Now, a locally driven partnership forged to make a small community forest healthier is kindling a wider push for resilience and reducing fire risk across the entire county. Community members say a key \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1927354/controlled-burns-can-help-solve-californias-fire-problem-so-why-arent-there-more-of-them\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">strategy\u003c/a> will be preventing what are often high-intensity wildfires by implementing lower-intensity prescribed burns to eradicate chip-dry tinder and grasses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There will be fire on this entire landscape. Do we want it to be controlled or do we want it to be out of control?” said Alex Cousins, a lifelong county resident. “We need to leave these forests ready to accept fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>After Prescribed Burn, Wildfire ‘Just Laid Down’\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Preparing for fire has already helped suppress one near Weaverville.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Forested slopes bear the scars of five wildfires, which threatened the community over the last two decades. In August 2014, a spark from a boat that had come off its trailer hit Highway 299 and lifted into the tree crowns. The resulting flames, which turned into the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/145826/california-wildfire-roundup-blaze-burns-close-to-weaverville\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oregon Fire\u003c/a>, raced across the tight canopy, forcing evacuations and threatening the high school.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Nine months before, however, federal and local partners removed some trees and thinned brush in an area called Five Cent Gulch. They then lit a \u003ca href=\"https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3815317.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">prescribed fire\u003c/a> to burn away remaining brush, logs, snags and forest debris. So when the Oregon Fire came along to threaten the area, the lack of heavy fuel on the land slowed it down, enabling crews and tanker planes to catch up and gain control.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942718\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 320px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-1200x899.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"479\" class=\"size-complete_open_graph wp-image-1942718\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-1200x899.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn-1020x764.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-controlled-burn.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dylan Sheedy, a ‘burn boss’ with The Watershed Center in Trinity County, torches piles of manzanita brusch cleared from private land in Hayfork, California.\u003cbr> \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“The fire ran head on into this thinned and burned unit, and the fire just laid down,” said Nick Goulette, who directs the Watershed Center, a local land stewardship group. “My home was evacuated as a part of that fire, so I was very thankful.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Five Cent Gulch is located within the \u003ca href=\"https://tcrcd.net/wcf/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Weaverville Community Forest\u003c/a>, made up of some 13,000 acres \u003ca href=\"https://www.tcrcd.net/wcf/pdf/WCF_Master_Stewardship_Agreement_USFS_2019_Signed.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">governed\u003c/a> by one of the first federal master stewardship agreements in the country. Authorized by Congress in 2003, these arrangements permit communities and other interested parties to support and fund restoration projects on forest land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We’re seeing more and more collaboratives not only be formed but also be effective in terms of trying to deal with forest health issues,” said Al Olson, who directs ecosystem services for the U.S. Forest Service across California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reducing fire risk through active management has been a goal of the community forest since its inception, says Kelly Sheen, executive director of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.tcrcd.net/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trinity County Resource Conservation District\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>Not\u003c/em> managing it is not an effective tool for managing the forest,” Sheen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reducing fuels by thinning the understory, removing trees to open up canopy, and burning what’s left on the ground is the strategy that scientists and policymakers say California forests need. Last year, Cal Fire announced it intended to triple the amount of land it treats in order to reduce risk. The U.S. Forest Service says its goal in 2019 is to treat 250,000 acres by either reducing and rearranging vegetation or with prescribed burns.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Weaverville, working with the federal government to utilize more fire on the Trinity County landscape has been a huge shift.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>A Common Foe\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During the 1980s and ‘90s, the heat of the Timber Wars poured into every public space in the area, says Bob Morris, a 45-year Trinity County resident and environmentalist. In a small town, there’s no place to hide.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It was terrible,” Morris said. “Death threats were common. People were arming themselves.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It got so bad, parents told their children not to walk in front of windows at night. Morris’ neighbor, a logger named Clarence Rose, became, literally, his enemy, and Rose felt the same way about him.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then, a common foe emerged.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What got people talking again was what Morris calls the “dysfunctionality” of federal forest management.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Environmentalists saw it, industry saw it, and that was our first unifying ‘we have something in common,’ that was the first thing that we saw.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942719\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942719\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-800x600.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-160x120.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-1020x765.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Weaverville-logging.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Trinity River Lumber Mill, the last mill open in the county, has been modified since the ‘Timber Wars’ of the 1990s to handle small- to medium-sized logs, the kind that are cut through ecologically responsible thinning. \u003ccite>(Molly Peterson/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Morris and Rose shared a growing concern about decisions made by the U.S. Forest Service in Shasta -Trinity. Then, in 1999, the Bureau of Land Management \u003ca href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/31/us/controlled-blaze-that-wasn-t-haunts-firefighters-in-california.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lost control\u003c/a> of a prescribed fire, which accidentally destroyed 23 homes in Lewiston. Around the same time, BLM proposed a land swap with a private timber company of nearly 1,000 acres near Weaverville, a trade that would have likely clear-cut trees out of some of the best views in town.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That proposal galvanized local concern for the forest. After years of negotiations, those BLM acres became the first patch of the Weaverville Community Forest. Ever since, the former enemies, environmentalist Bob Morris and ex-logger Clarence Rose, have served as two of the land’s informal stewards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Once you find areas of agreement, you can make huge progress,” said Morris. “Dissimilar interests finding common ground and working together, it’s been huge, a huge change after 40 years of polarization.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>From the start, the community has stuck to certain values: fire reduction, preserving views and recreational access, and responsible timber harvesting.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m proud of it, actually,” Morris said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And he and the other stewards hope their community forest is only the beginning.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Ecologically Responsible Thinning\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his boyhood, Kelly Sheen says, the forest was just a playground, the place where he ate from invasive blackberry plants and roamed off undermaintained trails.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I took it for granted,” Sheen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘We’re tired of living in smoke.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "right",
"citation": "Alex Cousins, Trinity County Collaborative",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Now, as chief local steward for the Weaverville Community Forest, he has mapped its every inch. Timber sales and restoration projects have improved the forest’s health, and there’s a new understanding of the benefits that prescribed burns can bring to the ecology of the land.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Larger and more deadly blazes like the Carr Fire only amplify the risk of a catastrophe.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“People have started thinking about things on a much more holistic level and across the landscape,” Sheen said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Seeing the community forest as a success, he and other stewards take part in the Trinity County Collaborative, a group formed to expand the application of local values to a wider swath of forest whose health is mixed, at best.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In California, some forest stands are \u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/core/lw/2.0/html/tileshop_pmc/tileshop_pmc_inline.html?title=Click%20on%20image%20to%20zoom&p=PMC3&id=4321274_pnas.1410186112fig02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">five times as dense\u003c/a> as in the past. Oaks and conifers increasingly compete for nutrients and water, while invasive beetles threaten pines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Fire scientists generally \u003ca href=\"https://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/files/research/projects/WildfireCommonGround.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">agree\u003c/a> on what might help forest lands in Trinity County and Northern California. But while “brush-crushing” and removal of some trees make sense, these practices alone don’t make a forest healthier. That’s why locals here say adding fire back to the landscape has to be the linchpin of any restoration strategy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the Weaverville Community Forest, three timber sales have yielded funds, called “retained receipts,” that have helped pay for restoration initiatives, including the one at Five Cent Gulch. Several members of the Trinity County Collaborative say this model could work across Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers national forests, as well as throughout the county.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Advocates like Sheen, Goulette and Morris, who represent different factions and priorities on forest issues, are united in distinguishing ecologically responsible thinning from the logging practices of the past.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“All of this isn’t just based on what we want, it’s based on science,” said Alex Cousins, another collaborative member.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cousins used to have Sheen’s job running the Weaverville Community Forest. Now he sells timber for the Trinity River Lumber Company, the last of what was once 14 mills in the county and the area’s largest private employer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>A sustainable, restoration-focused local economy is a collaborative goal, too, Cousins says. “We’ve got all of our eggs in this basket,” he said. “We want to see these forests managed, we want to see this mill as a part of that, not as a sole reason for that. And we’re tired of living in smoke.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In Trinity County, the choice to use the forest or protect it no longer seems binary. Among forest stewards, the idea now is to do a bit of both.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Federal Underfunding\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>For all the change in local values, the federal government still controls most of the county’s land, and federal budgets still don’t reflect the vision that’s taken root in Weaverville.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Data compiled by the nonprofit news organization Climate Central shows that across California, the U.S. Forest Service spends more than five times as much on suppressing fires as it does on prescribed burns and preparing for fire’s inevitable return.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As a result, most fires on federal land are still uncontrolled, and they’re often high-intensity. Planned burns are used on only about a tenth as much land as the U.S. Forest Service says it wants to actively manage for fire risk each year. Meanwhile, in that same time period, wildfires have burned 10 times as many acres in California’s federal forests as were treated in prescribed fires, according to an analysis of the Climate Central data by KQED.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s why people here aren’t waiting for the federal government or state authorities. Or, for that matter, the local fire department. The Watershed Center’s Nick Goulette says those agencies and institutions won’t save us. If a community wants to protect its values and its land, the message from Weaverville is clear.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We assume it’s someone else’s responsibility at our peril,” Goulette says. “We have to save ourselves.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1942299/onetime-enemies-over-logging-are-now-a-community-to-prevent-wildfire",
"authors": [
"11223"
],
"categories": [
"science_40",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_3370",
"science_3833",
"science_3988",
"science_3830",
"science_113"
],
"featImg": "science_1942643",
"label": "source_science_1942299"
},
"science_1941685": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "science_1941685",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "1941685",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1559545270000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1559545270,
"format": "image",
"title": "This California Neighborhood Was Built to Survive a Wildfire. And It Worked",
"headTitle": "This California Neighborhood Was Built to Survive a Wildfire. And It Worked | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">I\u003c/span>n California, it’s a scene all too familiar: a late October day, the winds pick up, and a few sparks explode into a megafire, rapidly overtaking a community.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2007, it was Rancho Santa Fe’s turn. It’s not a place you’d want to fight a fire — hundreds of homes sitting on rolling hillsides, surrounded by the scrubby chaparral common to northern San Diego County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"right\" size=\"small\" citation=\"Erwin Willis, former Rancho Santa Fe fire chief\"]‘The same communities burn over and over and over again. How many times has Malibu burned? How many times has Santa Barbara burned? So if we don’t learn how to build in those areas, we’re going to keep losing lives and homes.’[/pullquote]“It doesn’t get any worse than this,” said Rancho Santa Fe Fire Chief Fred Cox, looking out at the tidy subdivisions from a hilltop. “This is about as steep as it comes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rancho Santa Fe, like so many other California communities, sits on the vulnerable border between development and open space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Firefighters have a name for this: the wildland-urban interface. Essentially, it means things you don’t want to burn, like houses, have been built next to something that’s supposed to, the ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Oct. 21, 2007, the Santa Ana winds carried the \u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=225\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Witch Fire\u003c/a> into town, the flames funneled through low valleys or “avenues of fire,” as Cox calls them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It was like raining fire,” he said. “I remember going down some streets down here, La Breccia, and it’s like, man, if I go down there, I don’t know if I’m going to make it back out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even before the fire actually hit, Cox had a problem.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The fire wasn’t even close, but we had homes burning,” he said. “I would drive down the road and it was, like: How did that house catch on fire?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942427\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1942427 size-medium\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fire chief Fred Cox and forester Conor Lenehan look over the steep hillsides of Rancho Santa Fe. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The answer was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1917346/wildfires-can-attack-your-house-from-the-inside-heres-how-to-prevent-it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">embers\u003c/a>, blown far ahead of the fire front. They’d land on a wood roof or leaf-filled gutter, or even get sucked into an attic vent. In many fires, the majority of homes are ignited this way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cox and his crew rushed around the evacuated neighborhoods, trying to stop the flames from spreading to neighboring homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But then they got to one subdivision that was, surprisingly, calm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The only thing we had to do was put out a couple palm trees and the plastic trash cans that were burning,” Cox said. “The houses were perfectly OK. It was amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Why?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The neighborhood had been designed and built with wildfire in mind.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Built to Burn\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The transformation of Rancho Santa Fe into a fire-aware town had begun more than a decade earlier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When I came into Rancho Santa Fe, I saw a community that was built to burn,” said Erwin Willis, who moved there to become fire chief in 1993 and has since retired. “It had large homes with shake roofs, narrow, windey roads, not a good water supply.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[pullquote align=\"right\" citation=\"Fred Cox, Rancho Santa Fe fire chief\"]‘We have a couple of inspectors, that’s all they do is check weeds and hazards, and it’s year-round … They get hammered every day until something happens, and then when something happens the people are really gracious.’[/pullquote]At the time, Rancho Santa Fe was growing, with new homes pushing farther into open space. Willis knew the risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The same communities burn over and over and over again,” he said. “How many times has Malibu burned? How many times has Santa Barbara burned? So if we don’t learn how to build in those areas, we’re going to keep losing lives and homes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So Willis started drafting \u003ca href=\"https://www.rsf-fire.org/new-construction/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new building codes\u003c/a> for his district, requiring installations proven to protect homes, like noncombustible roofs, noncombustible siding, fire sprinklers and double-pane windows.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea was far from mainstream at the time. It’s often more expensive to build homes with those features, and developers were concerned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then in 1996, fires broke out all over Southern California, including one in San Diego.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942429\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1942429 size-medium\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2.jpg 1476w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Homes in Rancho Santa Fe have noncombustible roofs and siding. There’s also no street parking on narrow roads. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s generally much easier to get codes passed right after a fire,” Willis said. “So I took this code to our board right after that fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fire district’s board voted to adopt the new building codes. But the first real test didn’t come until 11 years later, with the Witch Fire. Willis watched it approach from a fire station.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Honestly, I was just hoping it was going to work,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And it did. No houses were lost in the newly built neighborhoods, while the older part of town lost about 50.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not long after, California passed similar building codes for all new homes built in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1917374/map-see-if-you-live-in-a-high-risk-fire-zone-and-what-that-means\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fire-hazard zones\u003c/a>, as designated by statewide Cal Fire maps.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Year-Round Inspections\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, even fire-resistant homes become less safe over time, because individual residents make small decisions that collectively put the entire community at risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So Rancho Santa Fe has tried to change how residents think about fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some neighborhoods, street parking isn’t allowed in front of homes, since it would impede fire trucks on narrow roads. It’s not a popular rule when people want to throw a party.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fire district also strictly enforces state regulations governing weeds and brush. Californians in high fire-risk zones are required to manage vegetation within 100 feet of their homes, with the toughest requirements within 30 feet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That area is known as “\u003ca href=\"https://calfire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_100feet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">defensible space\u003c/a>,” and meeting the requirements for maintaining it means clearing out dead leaves and brush, mowing weeds or grasses and establishing gaps between trees and shrubs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Enforcement of these rules is lax in some parts of the state, but not in Rancho Santa Fe. The fire district checks around 29,000 properties for compliance annually.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have a couple of inspectors, that’s all they do is check weeds and hazards, and it’s year-round,” Cox said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fire district has even \u003ca href=\"https://www.rsf-fire.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/116-Landscape_Plan_Check_Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">passed its own rules\u003c/a> above and beyond the state’s. No palm, pine or cypress trees are allowed within 30 feet of a home, because they’re too flammable. Mulch cannot be applied within 12 inches of a house, since it easily catches fire. Next year, the district expects to extend the mulch-free zone to 5 feet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If homeowners don’t comply with the rules, the district will hire a contractor to clear the vegetation, and the homeowner will get the bill. If they don’t pay, a lien can be put on their home to recoup the cost.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Inspectors get a lot of pushback, Cox says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They get hammered every day until something happens, and then when something happens the people are really gracious,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942436\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942436\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Northern Rancho Bernardo, hit by the 2007 Witch Fire. Homes are often ignited by embers that travel far ahead of wildfires, so while those homes burn, other homes can be left standing, even if they’re right next to each other. \u003ccite>(Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hardening Homes\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if a community takes all these steps to protect itself, there are no guarantees. Cal Fire says wildfires are becoming more unpredictable. The 2018 Carr Fire created a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1928143/reddings-firenado-was-not-your-garden-variety-fire-whirl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fire tornado\u003c/a> that lasted nearly an hour. And climate change is making fires more extreme.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s no such thing as a truly fire-safe community,” Cox said. “They can be safer, but in the environment we live in, nothing’s truly safe, 100% safe.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some worry that having tougher codes will encourage the building of new housing developments in risky fire areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The argument for their approval is that they will use materials, up to the latest fire-safe building codes, and that they’ll have defensible space and great evacuation routes,” said Alexandra Syphard, a fire scientist with SAGE Underwriters. “Many of the homes that burned in the recent years in California had all of those features, and they still burned because the fire was burning under unbelievable wind conditions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rancho Santa Fe’s fire programs also require financial resources, something that’s easier to come by in a higher-income community. The fire district is funded by local taxes on the town’s multimillion dollar homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Honestly, I get concerned … the only people that will be able to afford to live in natural environments will be the very wealthy,” said Chris Dicus, professor of wildland fire at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. “They’ll be the ones who can afford getting through the planning process, the actual building, etc.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Recent fires have shown that California’s wildfire building codes have helped \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1940012/newer-houses-much-less-damaged-in-camp-fire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">save homes\u003c/a>. But the vast majority of houses at risk from wildfire were built before the 2008 regulations were put in place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have communities like Paradise all up and down the Sierras that were built a long time ago,” Dicus said. “So those homes are at extreme risk.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Older homes can be retrofitted with fire-safe roofs or siding. Less expensive retrofits, such as covering attic vents with a fine mesh screen, can also make a difference.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, state lawmakers had been considering \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB38\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 38\u003c/a>, a bill that would have created a $1 billion fund to help homeowners make these improvements with low-interest loans or rebates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But after the money wasn’t included in the May revision of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state budget, lawmakers removed the $1 billion amount. The legislation now creates the fund but without a specific number of dollars attached. It the bill passes, lawmakers will have to decide how much to fund it with in next year’s budget.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hardening homes is profoundly important,” Newsom said in May. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to see if we can identify money along the lines of what we do for earthquake retrofitting.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dicus says that to really make California safer, everyone at risk from fire will have to work consistently to prevent it, whether it’s clearing vegetation, fixing homes or preparing evacuation plans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not going to be easy, but if we want to enjoy the quality of life here in California,” he said, “we’re going to have to make that a decision as a society to do so.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1884,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 57
},
"modified": 1704848641,
"excerpt": "As the 2007 Witch Fire engulfed the small town of Rancho Santa Fe in flames, some neighborhoods managed to escape burning. How did they do it? ",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "As the 2007 Witch Fire engulfed the small town of Rancho Santa Fe in flames, some neighborhoods managed to escape burning. How did they do it? ",
"title": "This California Neighborhood Was Built to Survive a Wildfire. And It Worked | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "This California Neighborhood Was Built to Survive a Wildfire. And It Worked",
"datePublished": "2019-06-03T00:01:10-07:00",
"dateModified": "2024-01-09T17:04:01-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "this-california-neighborhood-was-built-to-survive-a-wildfire-and-it-worked",
"status": "publish",
"sourceUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/wildfires",
"templateType": "standard",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/science/2019/06/SommerLwWFireSafeCommunities.mp3",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"audioTrackLength": 419,
"source": "Living With Wildfire",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/science/1941685/this-california-neighborhood-was-built-to-survive-a-wildfire-and-it-worked",
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 4.6875em; float: left; line-height: 0.733em; padding: 0.05em 0.1em 0 0; font-family: times, serif, georgia;\">I\u003c/span>n California, it’s a scene all too familiar: a late October day, the winds pick up, and a few sparks explode into a megafire, rapidly overtaking a community.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In 2007, it was Rancho Santa Fe’s turn. It’s not a place you’d want to fight a fire — hundreds of homes sitting on rolling hillsides, surrounded by the scrubby chaparral common to northern San Diego County.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘The same communities burn over and over and over again. How many times has Malibu burned? How many times has Santa Barbara burned? So if we don’t learn how to build in those areas, we’re going to keep losing lives and homes.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "right",
"size": "small",
"citation": "Erwin Willis, former Rancho Santa Fe fire chief",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“It doesn’t get any worse than this,” said Rancho Santa Fe Fire Chief Fred Cox, looking out at the tidy subdivisions from a hilltop. “This is about as steep as it comes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rancho Santa Fe, like so many other California communities, sits on the vulnerable border between development and open space.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Firefighters have a name for this: the wildland-urban interface. Essentially, it means things you don’t want to burn, like houses, have been built next to something that’s supposed to, the ecosystem.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Oct. 21, 2007, the Santa Ana winds carried the \u003ca href=\"http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=225\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Witch Fire\u003c/a> into town, the flames funneled through low valleys or “avenues of fire,” as Cox calls them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It was like raining fire,” he said. “I remember going down some streets down here, La Breccia, and it’s like, man, if I go down there, I don’t know if I’m going to make it back out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even before the fire actually hit, Cox had a problem.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The fire wasn’t even close, but we had homes burning,” he said. “I would drive down the road and it was, like: How did that house catch on fire?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942427\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1942427 size-medium\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fire chief Fred Cox and forester Conor Lenehan look over the steep hillsides of Rancho Santa Fe. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The answer was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1917346/wildfires-can-attack-your-house-from-the-inside-heres-how-to-prevent-it\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">embers\u003c/a>, blown far ahead of the fire front. They’d land on a wood roof or leaf-filled gutter, or even get sucked into an attic vent. In many fires, the majority of homes are ignited this way.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cox and his crew rushed around the evacuated neighborhoods, trying to stop the flames from spreading to neighboring homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But then they got to one subdivision that was, surprisingly, calm.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The only thing we had to do was put out a couple palm trees and the plastic trash cans that were burning,” Cox said. “The houses were perfectly OK. It was amazing.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Why?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The neighborhood had been designed and built with wildfire in mind.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Built to Burn\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The transformation of Rancho Santa Fe into a fire-aware town had begun more than a decade earlier.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When I came into Rancho Santa Fe, I saw a community that was built to burn,” said Erwin Willis, who moved there to become fire chief in 1993 and has since retired. “It had large homes with shake roofs, narrow, windey roads, not a good water supply.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘We have a couple of inspectors, that’s all they do is check weeds and hazards, and it’s year-round … They get hammered every day until something happens, and then when something happens the people are really gracious.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"align": "right",
"citation": "Fred Cox, Rancho Santa Fe fire chief",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>At the time, Rancho Santa Fe was growing, with new homes pushing farther into open space. Willis knew the risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The same communities burn over and over and over again,” he said. “How many times has Malibu burned? How many times has Santa Barbara burned? So if we don’t learn how to build in those areas, we’re going to keep losing lives and homes.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So Willis started drafting \u003ca href=\"https://www.rsf-fire.org/new-construction/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new building codes\u003c/a> for his district, requiring installations proven to protect homes, like noncombustible roofs, noncombustible siding, fire sprinklers and double-pane windows.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The idea was far from mainstream at the time. It’s often more expensive to build homes with those features, and developers were concerned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then in 1996, fires broke out all over Southern California, including one in San Diego.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942429\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1942429 size-medium\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/Rancho-santa-fe2.jpg 1476w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Homes in Rancho Santa Fe have noncombustible roofs and siding. There’s also no street parking on narrow roads. \u003ccite>(Lauren Sommer/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“It’s generally much easier to get codes passed right after a fire,” Willis said. “So I took this code to our board right after that fire.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fire district’s board voted to adopt the new building codes. But the first real test didn’t come until 11 years later, with the Witch Fire. Willis watched it approach from a fire station.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Honestly, I was just hoping it was going to work,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And it did. No houses were lost in the newly built neighborhoods, while the older part of town lost about 50.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Not long after, California passed similar building codes for all new homes built in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1917374/map-see-if-you-live-in-a-high-risk-fire-zone-and-what-that-means\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fire-hazard zones\u003c/a>, as designated by statewide Cal Fire maps.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Year-Round Inspections\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, even fire-resistant homes become less safe over time, because individual residents make small decisions that collectively put the entire community at risk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So Rancho Santa Fe has tried to change how residents think about fire.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In some neighborhoods, street parking isn’t allowed in front of homes, since it would impede fire trucks on narrow roads. It’s not a popular rule when people want to throw a party.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fire district also strictly enforces state regulations governing weeds and brush. Californians in high fire-risk zones are required to manage vegetation within 100 feet of their homes, with the toughest requirements within 30 feet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That area is known as “\u003ca href=\"https://calfire.ca.gov/communications/communications_firesafety_100feet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">defensible space\u003c/a>,” and meeting the requirements for maintaining it means clearing out dead leaves and brush, mowing weeds or grasses and establishing gaps between trees and shrubs.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Enforcement of these rules is lax in some parts of the state, but not in Rancho Santa Fe. The fire district checks around 29,000 properties for compliance annually.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have a couple of inspectors, that’s all they do is check weeds and hazards, and it’s year-round,” Cox said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The fire district has even \u003ca href=\"https://www.rsf-fire.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/116-Landscape_Plan_Check_Form.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">passed its own rules\u003c/a> above and beyond the state’s. No palm, pine or cypress trees are allowed within 30 feet of a home, because they’re too flammable. Mulch cannot be applied within 12 inches of a house, since it easily catches fire. Next year, the district expects to extend the mulch-free zone to 5 feet.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If homeowners don’t comply with the rules, the district will hire a contractor to clear the vegetation, and the homeowner will get the bill. If they don’t pay, a lien can be put on their home to recoup the cost.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Inspectors get a lot of pushback, Cox says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“They get hammered every day until something happens, and then when something happens the people are really gracious,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_1942436\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1942436\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/science/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited-1200x676.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2029/05/GettyImages-77479367-edited.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Northern Rancho Bernardo, hit by the 2007 Witch Fire. Homes are often ignited by embers that travel far ahead of wildfires, so while those homes burn, other homes can be left standing, even if they’re right next to each other. \u003ccite>(Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Hardening Homes\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even if a community takes all these steps to protect itself, there are no guarantees. Cal Fire says wildfires are becoming more unpredictable. The 2018 Carr Fire created a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1928143/reddings-firenado-was-not-your-garden-variety-fire-whirl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fire tornado\u003c/a> that lasted nearly an hour. And climate change is making fires more extreme.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“There’s no such thing as a truly fire-safe community,” Cox said. “They can be safer, but in the environment we live in, nothing’s truly safe, 100% safe.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Some worry that having tougher codes will encourage the building of new housing developments in risky fire areas.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“The argument for their approval is that they will use materials, up to the latest fire-safe building codes, and that they’ll have defensible space and great evacuation routes,” said Alexandra Syphard, a fire scientist with SAGE Underwriters. “Many of the homes that burned in the recent years in California had all of those features, and they still burned because the fire was burning under unbelievable wind conditions.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rancho Santa Fe’s fire programs also require financial resources, something that’s easier to come by in a higher-income community. The fire district is funded by local taxes on the town’s multimillion dollar homes.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Honestly, I get concerned … the only people that will be able to afford to live in natural environments will be the very wealthy,” said Chris Dicus, professor of wildland fire at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. “They’ll be the ones who can afford getting through the planning process, the actual building, etc.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Recent fires have shown that California’s wildfire building codes have helped \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/science/1940012/newer-houses-much-less-damaged-in-camp-fire\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">save homes\u003c/a>. But the vast majority of houses at risk from wildfire were built before the 2008 regulations were put in place.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“We have communities like Paradise all up and down the Sierras that were built a long time ago,” Dicus said. “So those homes are at extreme risk.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Older homes can be retrofitted with fire-safe roofs or siding. Less expensive retrofits, such as covering attic vents with a fine mesh screen, can also make a difference.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This year, state lawmakers had been considering \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB38\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AB 38\u003c/a>, a bill that would have created a $1 billion fund to help homeowners make these improvements with low-interest loans or rebates.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But after the money wasn’t included in the May revision of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s state budget, lawmakers removed the $1 billion amount. The legislation now creates the fund but without a specific number of dollars attached. It the bill passes, lawmakers will have to decide how much to fund it with in next year’s budget.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Hardening homes is profoundly important,” Newsom said in May. “I look forward to working with the Legislature to see if we can identify money along the lines of what we do for earthquake retrofitting.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dicus says that to really make California safer, everyone at risk from fire will have to work consistently to prevent it, whether it’s clearing vegetation, fixing homes or preparing evacuation plans.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s not going to be easy, but if we want to enjoy the quality of life here in California,” he said, “we’re going to have to make that a decision as a society to do so.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/science/1941685/this-california-neighborhood-was-built-to-survive-a-wildfire-and-it-worked",
"authors": [
"239"
],
"categories": [
"science_40",
"science_3730"
],
"tags": [
"science_3833",
"science_3988",
"science_3830",
"science_113"
],
"featImg": "science_1942403",
"label": "source_science_1941685"
}
},
"podcastsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"podcasts": {}
},
"radioProgramsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"radioPrograms": {}
},
"radioSearchSegmentsReducer": {},
"programsReducer": {
"all-things-considered": {
"id": "all-things-considered",
"title": "All Things Considered",
"info": "Every weekday, \u003cem>All Things Considered\u003c/em> hosts Robert Siegel, Audie Cornish, Ari Shapiro, and Kelly McEvers present the program's trademark mix of news, interviews, commentaries, reviews, and offbeat features. Michel Martin hosts on the weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 1pm-2pm, 4:30pm-6:30pm\u003cbr />SAT-SUN 5pm-6pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/All-Things-Considered-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/all-things-considered"
},
"american-suburb-podcast": {
"id": "american-suburb-podcast",
"title": "American Suburb: The Podcast",
"tagline": "The flip side of gentrification, told through one town",
"info": "Gentrification is changing cities across America, forcing people from neighborhoods they have long called home. Call them the displaced. Now those priced out of the Bay Area are looking for a better life in an unlikely place. American Suburb follows this migration to one California town along the Delta, 45 miles from San Francisco. But is this once sleepy suburb ready for them?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/American-Suburb-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 19
},
"link": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/RBrW",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=1287748328",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/American-Suburb-p1086805/",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/feed/podcast",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMzMDExODgxNjA5"
}
},
"baycurious": {
"id": "baycurious",
"title": "Bay Curious",
"tagline": "Exploring the Bay Area, one question at a time",
"info": "KQED’s new podcast, Bay Curious, gets to the bottom of the mysteries — both profound and peculiar — that give the Bay Area its unique identity. And we’ll do it with your help! You ask the questions. You decide what Bay Curious investigates. And you join us on the journey to find the answers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bay-Curious-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Bay Curious",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/baycurious",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 3
},
"link": "/podcasts/baycurious",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bay-curious/id1172473406",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/500557090/bay-curious",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/category/bay-curious-podcast/feed/podcast",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9a90d476-aa04-455d-9a4c-0871ed6216d4/bay-curious",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/bay-curious",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6O76IdmhixfijmhTZLIJ8k"
}
},
"bbc-world-service": {
"id": "bbc-world-service",
"title": "BBC World Service",
"info": "The day's top stories from BBC News compiled twice daily in the week, once at weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9pm-10pm, TUE-FRI 1am-2am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BBC-World-Service-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_world_service",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "BBC World Service"
},
"link": "/radio/program/bbc-world-service",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/global-news-podcast/id135067274?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/BBC-World-Service-p455581/",
"rss": "https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/p02nq0gn.rss"
}
},
"californiareport": {
"id": "californiareport",
"title": "The California Report",
"tagline": "California, day by day",
"info": "KQED’s statewide radio news program providing daily coverage of issues, trends and public policy decisions.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-the-california-report/id79681292",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/26099305-72af-4542-9dde-ac1807fe36d5/kqed-s-the-california-report",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432285393/the-california-report",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-the-california-report-podcast-8838",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcram/feed/podcast"
}
},
"californiareportmagazine": {
"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Magazine-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report Magazine",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareportmagazine",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 10
},
"link": "/californiareportmagazine",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-california-report-magazine/id1314750545",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/564733126/the-california-report-magazine",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-california-report-magazine",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrmag/feed/podcast"
}
},
"city-arts": {
"id": "city-arts",
"title": "City Arts & Lectures",
"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.cityarts.net/",
"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
"subscribe": {
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/City-Arts-and-Lectures-p692/",
"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
"id": "closealltabs",
"title": "Close All Tabs",
"tagline": "Your irreverent guide to the trends redefining our world",
"info": "Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAT_2_Tile-scaled.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Close All Tabs",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 1
},
"link": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/close-all-tabs/id214663465",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC6993880386",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/92d9d4ac-67a3-4eed-b10a-fb45d45b1ef2/close-all-tabs",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6LAJFHnGK1pYXYzv6SIol6?si=deb0cae19813417c"
}
},
"code-switch-life-kit": {
"id": "code-switch-life-kit",
"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
"airtime": "SUN 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Code-Switch-Life-Kit-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/code-switch-life-kit",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/1112190608?mt=2&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMzEy",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3bExJ9JQpkwNhoHvaIIuyV",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510312/podcast.xml"
}
},
"commonwealth-club": {
"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.commonwealthclub.org/podcasts",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/commonwealth-club-of-california-podcast/id976334034?mt=2",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Commonwealth-Club-of-California-p1060/"
}
},
"forum": {
"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/forum",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
"link": "/forum",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-forum/id73329719",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432307980/forum",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-forum-podcast",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9557381633"
}
},
"freakonomics-radio": {
"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
}
},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fresh-Air-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Fresh-Air-p17/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
}
},
"here-and-now": {
"id": "here-and-now",
"title": "Here & Now",
"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
"airtime": "MON-THU 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Here-And-Now-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/here-and-now",
"subsdcribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=426698661",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Here--Now-p211/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Hidden-Brain-p787503/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
}
},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/How-I-Built-This-p910896/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
"imageAlt": "KQED Hyphenación",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hyphenaci%C3%B3n/id1191591838",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
"youtube": "https://www.youtube.com/c/kqedarts",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/790253322/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/jerrybrown/feed/podcast/",
"tuneIn": "http://tun.in/pjGcK",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/54C1dmuyFyKMFttY6X2j6r?si=K8SgRCoISNK6ZbjpXrX5-w",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/44420f75-3b0e-4301-ab3b-16da6b09e543/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown"
}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/xtTd",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Latino-USA-p621/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201853034&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/APM-Marketplace-p88/",
"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindshift-podcast/id1078765985",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxSpNYZKNprFLCl7eEtyx"
}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/onourwatch",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0OLWoyizopu6tY1XiuX70x",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-Our-Watch-p1436229/",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
}
},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/political-breakdown/id1327641087",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/political-breakdown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/07RVyIjIdk2WDuVehvBMoN",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/political-breakdown/feed/podcast"
}
},
"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/possible/id1677184070",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
}
},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pri.org/programs/the-world",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "PRI"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pri-the-world",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pris-the-world-latest-edition/id278196007?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/PRIs-The-World-p24/",
"rss": "http://feeds.feedburner.com/pri/theworld"
}
},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
"airtime": "SUN 12am-1am, SAT 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/radiolab1400.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/radiolab/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/radiolab",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radiolab/id152249110?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/RadioLab-p68032/",
"rss": "https://feeds.wnyc.org/radiolab"
}
},
"reveal": {
"id": "reveal",
"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
"airtime": "SAT 4pm-5pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/reveal300px.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/reveal",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/reveal/id886009669",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Reveal-p679597/",
"rss": "http://feeds.revealradio.org/revealpodcast"
}
},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rightnowish-Podcast-Tile-500x500-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Rightnowish with Pendarvis Harshaw",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 16
},
"link": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/programs/rightnowish/feed/podcast",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMxMjU5MTY3NDc4",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I"
}
},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
"title": "Science Friday",
"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
"airtime": "FRI 11am-1pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Science-Friday-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/science-friday",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/science-friday",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=73329284&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Science-Friday-p394/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/science-friday"
}
},
"snap-judgment": {
"id": "snap-judgment",
"title": "Snap Judgment",
"tagline": "Real stories with killer beats",
"info": "The Snap Judgment radio show and podcast mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. Snap's musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling... with a BEAT!! Snap first aired on public radio stations nationwide in July 2010. Today, Snap Judgment airs on over 450 public radio stations and is brought to the airwaves by KQED & PRX.",
"airtime": "SAT 1pm-2pm, 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Snap-Judgment-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Snap Judgment",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 4
},
"link": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/snap-judgment/id283657561",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/449018144/snap-judgment",
"stitcher": "https://www.pandora.com/podcast/snap-judgment/PC:241?source=stitcher-sunset",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cct7ZWmxHNAtLgBTqjC5v",
"rss": "https://snap.feed.snapjudgment.org/"
}
},
"soldout": {
"id": "soldout",
"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
"info": "Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sold-Out-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/soldout",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 13
},
"link": "/podcasts/soldout",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/911586047/s-o-l-d-o-u-t-a-new-future-for-housing",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america/id1531354937",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/soldout",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/38dTBSk2ISFoPiyYNoKn1X",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america",
"tunein": "https://tunein.com/radio/SOLD-OUT-Rethinking-Housing-in-America-p1365871/"
}
},
"spooked": {
"id": "spooked",
"title": "Spooked",
"tagline": "True-life supernatural stories",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spooked-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Spooked",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 7
},
"link": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spooked/id1279361017",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/549547848/snap-judgment-presents-spooked",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/76571Rfl3m7PLJQZKQIGCT",
"rss": "https://feeds.simplecast.com/TBotaapn"
}
},
"tech-nation": {
"id": "tech-nation",
"title": "Tech Nation Radio Podcast",
"info": "Tech Nation is a weekly public radio program, hosted by Dr. Moira Gunn. Founded in 1993, it has grown from a simple interview show to a multi-faceted production, featuring conversations with noted technology and science leaders, and a weekly science and technology-related commentary.",
"airtime": "FRI 10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tech-Nation-Radio-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://technation.podomatic.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "Tech Nation Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tech-nation",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://technation.podomatic.com/rss2.xml"
}
},
"ted-radio-hour": {
"id": "ted-radio-hour",
"title": "TED Radio Hour",
"info": "The TED Radio Hour is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ways to think and create.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm, SAT 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/tedRadioHour.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2018-06-22",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/ted-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/8vsS",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=523121474&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/TED-Radio-Hour-p418021/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510298/podcast.xml"
}
},
"thebay": {
"id": "thebay",
"title": "The Bay",
"tagline": "Local news to keep you rooted",
"info": "Host Devin Katayama walks you through the biggest story of the day with reporters and newsmakers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Bay-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Bay",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/thebay",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 2
},
"link": "/podcasts/thebay",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d800ea4c-7a2c-42f2-b861-edaf78a5db0b/the-bay",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/586725995/the-bay",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-bay",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/4BIKBKIujizLHlIlBNaAqQ",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC8259786327"
}
},
"thelatest": {
"id": "thelatest",
"title": "The Latest",
"tagline": "Trusted local news in real time",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Latest-2025-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Latest",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/thelatest",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 6
},
"link": "/thelatest",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-latest-from-kqed/id1197721799",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1257949365/the-latest-from-k-q-e-d",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/5KIIXMgM9GTi5AepwOYvIZ?si=bd3053fec7244dba",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9137121918"
}
},
"theleap": {
"id": "theleap",
"title": "The Leap",
"tagline": "What if you closed your eyes, and jumped?",
"info": "Stories about people making dramatic, risky changes, told by award-winning public radio reporter Judy Campbell.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Leap-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Leap",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/theleap",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 17
},
"link": "/podcasts/theleap",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leap/id1046668171",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/447248267/the-leap",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-leap",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3sSlVHHzU0ytLwuGs1SD1U",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/programs/the-leap/feed/podcast"
}
},
"the-moth-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-moth-radio-hour",
"title": "The Moth Radio Hour",
"info": "Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.",
"airtime": "SAT 8pm-9pm and SUN 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/theMoth.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://themoth.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "prx"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-moth-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moth-podcast/id275699983?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/The-Moth-p273888/",
"rss": "http://feeds.themoth.org/themothpodcast"
}
},
"the-new-yorker-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"title": "The New Yorker Radio Hour",
"info": "The New Yorker Radio Hour is a weekly program presented by the magazine's editor, David Remnick, and produced by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker. Each episode features a diverse mix of interviews, profiles, storytelling, and an occasional burst of humor inspired by the magazine, and shaped by its writers, artists, and editors. This isn't a radio version of a magazine, but something all its own, reflecting the rich possibilities of audio storytelling and conversation. Theme music for the show was composed and performed by Merrill Garbus of tUnE-YArDs.",
"airtime": "SAT 10am-11am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-New-Yorker-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/tnyradiohour",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1050430296",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/New-Yorker-Radio-Hour-p803804/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/newyorkerradiohour"
}
},
"the-sam-sanders-show": {
"id": "the-sam-sanders-show",
"title": "The Sam Sanders Show",
"info": "One of public radio's most dynamic voices, Sam Sanders helped launch The NPR Politics Podcast and hosted NPR's hit show It's Been A Minute. Now, the award-winning host returns with something brand new, The Sam Sanders Show. Every week, Sam Sanders and friends dig into the culture that shapes our lives: what's driving the biggest trends, how artists really think, and even the memes you can't stop scrolling past. Sam is beloved for his way of unpacking the world and bringing you up close to fresh currents and engaging conversations. The Sam Sanders Show is smart, funny and always a good time.",
"airtime": "FRI 12-1pm AND SAT 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Sam-Sanders-Show-Podcast-Tile-400x400-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "KCRW"
},
"link": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feed.cdnstream1.com/zjb/feed/download/ac/28/59/ac28594c-e1d0-4231-8728-61865cdc80e8.xml"
}
},
"the-splendid-table": {
"id": "the-splendid-table",
"title": "The Splendid Table",
"info": "\u003cem>The Splendid Table\u003c/em> hosts our nation's conversations about cooking, sustainability and food culture.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Splendid-Table-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.splendidtable.org/",
"airtime": "SUN 10-11 pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-splendid-table"
},
"this-american-life": {
"id": "this-american-life",
"title": "This American Life",
"info": "This American Life is a weekly public radio show, heard by 2.2 million people on more than 500 stations. Another 2.5 million people download the weekly podcast. It is hosted by Ira Glass, produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards.",
"airtime": "SAT 12pm-1pm, 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/thisAmericanLife.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wbez"
},
"link": "/radio/program/this-american-life",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201671138&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"rss": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/podcast/rss.xml"
}
},
"tinydeskradio": {
"id": "tinydeskradio",
"title": "Tiny Desk Radio",
"info": "We're bringing the best of Tiny Desk to the airwaves, only on public radio.",
"airtime": "SUN 8pm and SAT 9pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/300x300-For-Member-Station-Logo-Tiny-Desk-Radio-@2x.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/g-s1-52030/tiny-desk-radio",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tinydeskradio",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/g-s1-52030/rss.xml"
}
},
"wait-wait-dont-tell-me": {
"id": "wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"title": "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!",
"info": "Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis host the weekly NPR News quiz show alongside some of the best and brightest news and entertainment personalities.",
"airtime": "SUN 10am-11am, SAT 11am-12pm, SAT 6pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Wait-Wait-Podcast-Tile-300x300-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/Xogv",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=121493804&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Wait-Wait-Dont-Tell-Me-p46/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/344098539/podcast.xml"
}
},
"weekend-edition-saturday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-saturday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Saturday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Saturday wraps up the week's news and offers a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts, sports, entertainment, and human interest stories. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon.",
"airtime": "SAT 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-saturday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-saturday"
},
"weekend-edition-sunday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-sunday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Sunday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Sunday features interviews with newsmakers, artists, scientists, politicians, musicians, writers, theologians and historians. The program has covered news events from Nelson Mandela's 1990 release from a South African prison to the capture of Saddam Hussein.",
"airtime": "SUN 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-sunday"
}
},
"racesReducer": {},
"racesGenElectionReducer": {},
"racesGenElection2026Reducer": {},
"radioSchedulesReducer": {},
"listsReducer": {
"posts/?tag=wildfirefeature&queryId=11071915400": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 0,
"size": 10
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 3,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 3,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"science_1930023",
"news_11834132",
"science_1965575"
],
"complete": true
},
"posts/news,science,arts?tag=wildfire,wildfires&excludeTag=wildfirefeature&queryId=a6d4ff4651": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 0,
"size": 10
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 10,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 1555,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"science_2001997",
"news_12099181",
"news_12097752",
"news_12097569",
"news_12097357",
"news_12097383",
"news_12097303",
"news_12097260",
"news_12097092",
"news_12097001"
],
"complete": true
},
"posts/?tag=overlooked&queryId=12fca81fbde": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 0,
"size": 10
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 0,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 0,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [],
"complete": true
},
"posts/news,science,arts?tag=livingwithwildfire&queryId=190838ea70e": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 0,
"size": 10
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 7,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 7,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"science_1943266",
"science_1943180",
"science_1943058",
"science_1941376",
"science_1942547",
"science_1942299",
"science_1941685"
],
"complete": true
}
},
"recallGuideReducer": {
"intros": {},
"policy": {},
"candidates": {}
},
"savedArticleReducer": {
"articles": [],
"status": {}
},
"newslettersReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"newsletters": {},
"isSubscribing": false,
"isUnsubscribing": false,
"subscribedNewsletters": {}
},
"termsReducer": {
"about": {
"name": "About",
"type": "terms",
"id": "about",
"slug": "about",
"link": "/about",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"arts": {
"name": "Arts & Culture",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"description": "KQED Arts provides daily in-depth coverage of the Bay Area's music, art, film, performing arts, literature and arts news, as well as cultural commentary and criticism.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts",
"slug": "arts",
"link": "/arts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"artschool": {
"name": "Art School",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "artschool",
"slug": "artschool",
"link": "/artschool",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareabites": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareabites",
"slug": "bayareabites",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareahiphop": {
"name": "Bay Area Hiphop",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareahiphop",
"slug": "bayareahiphop",
"link": "/bayareahiphop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"campaign21": {
"name": "Campaign 21",
"type": "terms",
"id": "campaign21",
"slug": "campaign21",
"link": "/campaign21",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"careers": {
"name": "Careers",
"type": "terms",
"id": "careers",
"slug": "careers",
"link": "/careers",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"checkplease": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease",
"slug": "checkplease",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"education": {
"name": "Education",
"grouping": [
"education"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "education",
"slug": "education",
"link": "/education",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"elections": {
"name": "Elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "elections",
"slug": "elections",
"link": "/elections",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"events": {
"name": "Events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "events",
"slug": "events",
"link": "/events",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"event": {
"name": "Event",
"alias": "events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "event",
"slug": "event",
"link": "/event",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"filmschoolshorts": {
"name": "Film School Shorts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "filmschoolshorts",
"slug": "filmschoolshorts",
"link": "/filmschoolshorts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"food": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "food",
"slug": "food",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"forum": {
"name": "Forum",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/forum?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "forum",
"slug": "forum",
"link": "/forum",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"futureofyou": {
"name": "Future of You",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "futureofyou",
"slug": "futureofyou",
"link": "/futureofyou",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"jpepinheart": {
"name": "KQED food",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/food,bayareabites,checkplease",
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "jpepinheart",
"slug": "jpepinheart",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"liveblog": {
"name": "Live Blog",
"type": "terms",
"id": "liveblog",
"slug": "liveblog",
"link": "/liveblog",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"livetv": {
"name": "Live TV",
"parent": "tv",
"type": "terms",
"id": "livetv",
"slug": "livetv",
"link": "/livetv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"lowdown": {
"name": "The Lowdown",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/lowdown?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "lowdown",
"slug": "lowdown",
"link": "/lowdown",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"mindshift": {
"name": "Mindshift",
"parent": "news",
"description": "MindShift explores the future of education by highlighting the innovative – and sometimes counterintuitive – ways educators and parents are helping all children succeed.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "mindshift",
"slug": "mindshift",
"link": "/mindshift",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"news": {
"name": "News",
"grouping": [
"news",
"forum"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "news",
"slug": "news",
"link": "/news",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"newsletters": {
"name": "newsletters",
"type": "terms",
"id": "newsletters",
"slug": "newsletters",
"link": "/newsletters",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"perspectives": {
"name": "Perspectives",
"parent": "radio",
"type": "terms",
"id": "perspectives",
"slug": "perspectives",
"link": "/perspectives",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"podcasts": {
"name": "Podcasts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "podcasts",
"slug": "podcasts",
"link": "/podcasts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pop": {
"name": "Pop",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pop",
"slug": "pop",
"link": "/pop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pressroom": {
"name": "Pressroom",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pressroom",
"slug": "pressroom",
"link": "/pressroom",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"quest": {
"name": "Quest",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "quest",
"slug": "quest",
"link": "/quest",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"radio": {
"name": "Radio",
"grouping": [
"forum",
"perspectives"
],
"description": "Listen to KQED Public Radio – home of Forum and The California Report – on 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento, 88.3 FM in Santa Rosa and 88.1 FM in Martinez.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "radio",
"slug": "radio",
"link": "/radio",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"root": {
"name": "KQED",
"image": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"imageWidth": 1200,
"imageHeight": 630,
"headData": {
"title": "KQED | News, Radio, Podcasts, TV | Public Media for Northern California",
"description": "KQED provides public radio, television, and independent reporting on issues that matter to the Bay Area. We’re the NPR and PBS member station for Northern California."
},
"type": "terms",
"id": "root",
"slug": "root",
"link": "/root",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"science": {
"name": "Science",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"description": "KQED Science brings you award-winning science and environment coverage from the Bay Area and beyond.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "science",
"slug": "science",
"link": "/science",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"stateofhealth": {
"name": "State of Health",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "stateofhealth",
"slug": "stateofhealth",
"link": "/stateofhealth",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"support": {
"name": "Support",
"type": "terms",
"id": "support",
"slug": "support",
"link": "/support",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"thedolist": {
"name": "The Do List",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "thedolist",
"slug": "thedolist",
"link": "/thedolist",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"trulyca": {
"name": "Truly CA",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "trulyca",
"slug": "trulyca",
"link": "/trulyca",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"tv": {
"name": "TV",
"type": "terms",
"id": "tv",
"slug": "tv",
"link": "/tv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"voterguide": {
"name": "Voter Guide",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "voterguide",
"slug": "voterguide",
"link": "/voterguide",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"guiaelectoral": {
"name": "Guia Electoral",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "guiaelectoral",
"slug": "guiaelectoral",
"link": "/guiaelectoral",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"source_science_1930023": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1930023",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Air Quality",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_science_1965575": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1965575",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Wildfire",
"isLoading": false
},
"science_31": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_31",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "31",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Climate",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Climate Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33,
"slug": "climate",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/climate"
},
"science_35": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_35",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "35",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Environment",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Environment Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 37,
"slug": "environment",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/environment"
},
"science_40": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_40",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "40",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 42,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/news"
},
"science_4450": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_4450",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "4450",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Science Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4450,
"slug": "science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/science"
},
"science_3730": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3730",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3730",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Wildfires",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Wildfires Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3730,
"slug": "wildfires",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/wildfires"
},
"science_505": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_505",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "505",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "air pollution",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "air pollution Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 511,
"slug": "air-pollution",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/air-pollution"
},
"science_524": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_524",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "524",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "air quality",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "air quality Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 530,
"slug": "air-quality",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/air-quality"
},
"science_4992": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_4992",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "4992",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "audience-news",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "audience-news Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4992,
"slug": "audience-news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/audience-news"
},
"science_856": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_856",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "856",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "bay area",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "bay area Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 862,
"slug": "bay-area",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/bay-area"
},
"science_3820": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3820",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3820",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "camp fire",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "camp fire Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3820,
"slug": "camp-fire",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/camp-fire"
},
"science_3463": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3463",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3463",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "smoke",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "smoke Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3463,
"slug": "smoke",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/smoke"
},
"science_113": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_113",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "113",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "wildfire",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "wildfire Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 117,
"slug": "wildfire",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/wildfire"
},
"science_5342": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5342",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5342",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "wildfirefeature",
"slug": "wildfirefeature",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "wildfirefeature Archives | KQED Science",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 5342,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/wildfirefeature"
},
"science_5347": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5347",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5347",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "wildfires",
"slug": "wildfires",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "wildfires Archives | KQED Science",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 5347,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/wildfires"
},
"news_19906": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_19906",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "19906",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Environment",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Environment Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 19923,
"slug": "environment",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/environment"
},
"news_8": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_8",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "8",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 8,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/news"
},
"news_18538": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_18538",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "18538",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 31,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/california"
},
"news_20023": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_20023",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "20023",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "environment",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "environment Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 20040,
"slug": "environment",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/environment"
},
"news_34204": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34204",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34204",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "wildfirefeature",
"slug": "wildfirefeature",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "wildfirefeature | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null,
"metaRobotsNoIndex": "noindex"
},
"ttid": 34221,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/wildfirefeature"
},
"news_4463": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_4463",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "4463",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "wildfires",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "wildfires Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4482,
"slug": "wildfires",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/wildfires"
},
"news_33738": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33738",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33738",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33755,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/california"
},
"news_33750": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33750",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33750",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Climate",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Climate Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33767,
"slug": "climate",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/climate"
},
"news_33733": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33733",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33733",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33750,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/news"
},
"science_5376": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5376",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5376",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Science Podcast",
"slug": "science-podcast",
"taxonomy": "program",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Science Podcast | KQED Science",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 5376,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/program/science-podcast"
},
"science_5141": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5141",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5141",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Podcast",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Podcast Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5141,
"slug": "podcast",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/podcast"
},
"science_3423": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3423",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3423",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Science Podcast",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"socialTitle": "Bay Area Science: Stories & Insights with KQED's Science Podcasts",
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": "Our captivating podcasts take you on a journey through the Bay Area's vibrant scientific landscape. Discover groundbreaking research & hear expert insights.",
"title": "Bay Area Science: Stories & Insights with KQED's Science Podcasts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3423,
"slug": "science-podcast",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/science-podcast"
},
"science_4417": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_4417",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "4417",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-news",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-news Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4417,
"slug": "featured-news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/featured-news"
},
"science_3779": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3779",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3779",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "housing",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "housing Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3779,
"slug": "housing",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/housing"
},
"science_5217": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5217",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5217",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5217,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/interest/california"
},
"science_5229": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5229",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5229",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Climate",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Climate Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5229,
"slug": "climate",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/interest/climate"
},
"science_5220": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5220",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5220",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "East Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "East Bay Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5220,
"slug": "east-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/interest/east-bay"
},
"science_5222": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5222",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5222",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "North Bay",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "North Bay Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5222,
"slug": "north-bay",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/interest/north-bay"
},
"source_science_2001997": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_2001997",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "News",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_news_12097383": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_news_12097383",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Political Breakdown",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_news_12097260": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_news_12097260",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "The California Report ",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrarchive/",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_news_12097001": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_news_12097001",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "The California Report",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrarchive/",
"isLoading": false
},
"science_5178": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5178",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5178",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5178,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/california"
},
"science_4414": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_4414",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "4414",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-science Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4414,
"slug": "featured-science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/featured-science"
},
"science_5274": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5274",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5274",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "fire insurance",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "fire insurance Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5274,
"slug": "fire-insurance",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/fire-insurance"
},
"science_5259": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5259",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5259",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "insurance",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "insurance Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5259,
"slug": "insurance",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/insurance"
},
"science_309": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_309",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "309",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "science Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 314,
"slug": "science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/science"
},
"science_5218": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5218",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5218",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Housing",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Housing Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5218,
"slug": "housing",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/interest/housing"
},
"science_5212": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_5212",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "5212",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5212,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/interest/news"
},
"news_31795": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_31795",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "31795",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 31812,
"slug": "california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/california"
},
"news_34165": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34165",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34165",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Climate",
"slug": "climate",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Climate Archives | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34182,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/climate"
},
"news_28250": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_28250",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "28250",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Local",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Local Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 28267,
"slug": "local",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/local"
},
"news_356": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_356",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "356",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Science Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 364,
"slug": "science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/science"
},
"news_19204": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_19204",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "19204",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "climate",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "climate Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 19221,
"slug": "climate",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/climate"
},
"news_28199": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_28199",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "28199",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-science Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 28216,
"slug": "featured-science",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-science"
},
"news_5930": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_5930",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "5930",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Northern California",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Northern California Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5954,
"slug": "northern-california",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/northern-california"
},
"news_140": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_140",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "140",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "PG&E",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "PG&E Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 144,
"slug": "pge",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/pge"
},
"news_26868": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_26868",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "26868",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "PG&E power shutoffs",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "PG&E power shutoffs Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 26885,
"slug": "pge-power-shutoffs",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/pge-power-shutoffs"
},
"news_26823": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_26823",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "26823",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "power outages",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "power outages Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 26840,
"slug": "power-outages",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/power-outages"
},
"news_3187": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_3187",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "3187",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "science",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "science Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3205,
"slug": "science-2",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/science-2"
},
"news_23900": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_23900",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "23900",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "utilities",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "utilities Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 23917,
"slug": "utilities",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/utilities"
},
"news_13": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_13",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "13",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Politics",
"slug": "politics",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Politics | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 13,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/politics"
},
"news_2704": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_2704",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "2704",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California Legislature",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California Legislature Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2722,
"slug": "california-legislature",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/california-legislature"
},
"news_27626": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_27626",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "27626",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-news",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-news Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 27643,
"slug": "featured-news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-news"
},
"news_34377": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34377",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34377",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "featured-politics",
"slug": "featured-politics",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "featured-politics Archives | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34394,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-politics"
},
"news_16": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_16",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "16",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Gavin Newsom",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Gavin Newsom Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 16,
"slug": "gavin-newsom",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/gavin-newsom"
},
"news_17968": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_17968",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "17968",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Politics",
"slug": "politics",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Politics | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 18002,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/politics"
},
"news_33734": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33734",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33734",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Local Politics",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "interest",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Local Politics Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33751,
"slug": "local-politics",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/interest/local-politics"
},
"news_5369": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_5369",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "5369",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Big Sur",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Big Sur Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5391,
"slug": "big-sur",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/big-sur"
},
"news_34076": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34076",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34076",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "California coast",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "California coast Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 34093,
"slug": "california-coast",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/california-coast"
},
"news_4084": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_4084",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "4084",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Monterey County",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Monterey County Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4103,
"slug": "monterey-county",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/monterey-county"
},
"news_37320": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_37320",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "37320",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Timber Fire",
"slug": "timber-fire",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Timber Fire | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 37337,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/timber-fire"
},
"news_37267": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_37267",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "37267",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "state lawmakers",
"slug": "state-lawmakers",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "state lawmakers | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 37284,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/state-lawmakers"
},
"news_23596": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_23596",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "23596",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "State Legislature",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "State Legislature Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 23613,
"slug": "state-legislature",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/state-legislature"
},
"news_34684": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34684",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34684",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "wildfire",
"slug": "wildfire",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "wildfire | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34701,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/wildfire"
},
"news_33544": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33544",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33544",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Political Breakdown",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "program",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Political Breakdown Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33561,
"slug": "political-breakdown",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/program/political-breakdown"
},
"news_37190": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_37190",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "37190",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "featured politics",
"slug": "featured-politics-2",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "featured politics | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 37207,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-politics-2"
},
"news_22235": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_22235",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "22235",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Political Breakdown",
"description": "\u003cimg class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-11638190\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/01/PB-for-FB-links.png\" alt=\"\" />\r\n\r\nJoin hosts\u003cstrong> Scott Shafer\u003c/strong> and \u003cstrong>Marisa Lagos\u003c/strong> as they unpack the week in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political players—\u003ci>Political Breakdown \u003c/i>pulls back the curtain to offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics works today.\r\n\r\n\u003ca href=\"https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/political-breakdown/id1327641087?mt=2\">\u003cimg src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/01/Listen_on_Apple_Podcasts_sRGB_US-e1515635079510.png\" />\u003c/a>",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": "Join hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos as they unpack the week in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political players—Political Breakdown pulls back the curtain to offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics works today.",
"title": "Political Breakdown Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 22252,
"slug": "political-breakdown",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/political-breakdown"
},
"news_3674": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_3674",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "3674",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Rob Bonta",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Rob Bonta Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3692,
"slug": "rob-bonta",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/rob-bonta"
},
"news_201": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_201",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "201",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "SCOTUS",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "SCOTUS Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 209,
"slug": "scotus",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/scotus"
},
"news_35336": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_35336",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "35336",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Trump",
"slug": "trump",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Trump | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 35353,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/trump"
},
"news_255": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_255",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "255",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "climate change",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "climate change Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 263,
"slug": "climate-change",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/climate-change"
},
"news_20534": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_20534",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "20534",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "evacuations",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "evacuations Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 20551,
"slug": "evacuations",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/evacuations"
},
"news_36379": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_36379",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "36379",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "outdoors",
"slug": "outdoors",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "outdoors | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 36396,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/outdoors"
},
"news_22456": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_22456",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "22456",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "public safety",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "public safety Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 22473,
"slug": "public-safety",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/public-safety"
},
"news_1855": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_1855",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "1855",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "travel",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "travel Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1870,
"slug": "travel",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/travel"
},
"news_72": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_72",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "72",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/10/2014/10/TCR-2-Logo-Web-Banners-03.png",
"name": "The California Report",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "program",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "The California Report Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 6969,
"slug": "the-california-report",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/program/the-california-report"
},
"news_33520": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_33520",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "33520",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Podcast",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Podcast Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 33537,
"slug": "podcast",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/podcast"
},
"news_37040": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_37040",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "37040",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "data center",
"slug": "data-center",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "data center | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 37057,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/data-center"
},
"news_30214": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_30214",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "30214",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Meta",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Meta Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 30231,
"slug": "meta",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/meta"
},
"news_21998": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_21998",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "21998",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "TCRAM",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "TCRAM Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 22015,
"slug": "tcram",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/tcram"
},
"news_21268": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_21268",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "21268",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "tcrarchive",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "tcrarchive Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21285,
"slug": "tcrarchive",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/tcrarchive"
},
"news_34168": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_34168",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "34168",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Guides and Explainers",
"slug": "guides-and-explainers",
"taxonomy": "category",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Guides and Explainers Archives | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 34185,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/category/guides-and-explainers"
},
"news_32707": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_32707",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "32707",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "audience-news",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "audience-news Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 32724,
"slug": "audience-news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/audience-news"
},
"news_35888": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_35888",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "35888",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "featured-audience-news",
"slug": "featured-audience-news",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "featured-audience-news | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 35905,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/featured-audience-news"
},
"news_566": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_566",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "566",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Tourism",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Tourism Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 575,
"slug": "tourism",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/tourism"
},
"news_37378": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_37378",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "37378",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "flipping-the-switch",
"slug": "flipping-the-switch-2",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "flipping-the-switch | KQED News",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 37395,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/flipping-the-switch-2"
},
"news_333": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "news_333",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "news",
"id": "333",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Food",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Food Archives | KQED News",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 341,
"slug": "food",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/news/tag/food"
},
"source_science_1943266": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1943266",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Living With Wildfire",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_science_1943180": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1943180",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Living With Wildfire",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/wildfires",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_science_1943058": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1943058",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Living With Wildfire",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_science_1941376": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1941376",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Living With Wildfire",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_science_1942547": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1942547",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Living With Wildfire",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_science_1942299": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1942299",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Living With Wildfire",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/science/tag/livingwithwildfire",
"isLoading": false
},
"source_science_1941685": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "source_science_1941685",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"name": "Living With Wildfire",
"link": "https://www.kqed.org/wildfires",
"isLoading": false
},
"science_3833": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3833",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3833",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "FeatureRadio",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "FeatureRadio Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3833,
"slug": "featureradio",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/featureradio"
},
"science_3988": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3988",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3988",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "livingwithwildfire",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "livingwithwildfire Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3988,
"slug": "livingwithwildfire",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/livingwithwildfire"
},
"science_194": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_194",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "194",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "climate change",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "climate change Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 198,
"slug": "climate-change",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/climate-change"
},
"science_3832": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3832",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3832",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "FeatureText",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "FeatureText Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3832,
"slug": "featuretext",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/featuretext"
},
"science_46": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_46",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "46",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Audio",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Audio Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 48,
"slug": "audio",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/category/audio"
},
"science_3370": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3370",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3370",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3370,
"slug": "featured",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/featured"
},
"science_3830": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "science_3830",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "science",
"id": "3830",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Staff",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Staff Archives | KQED Science",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3830,
"slug": "staff",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/science/tag/staff"
}
},
"userPermissionsReducer": {
"wpLoggedIn": false
},
"eventsReducer": {},
"fssReducer": {},
"tvDailyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvWeeklyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvPrimetimeScheduleReducer": {},
"tvMonthlyScheduleReducer": {},
"userAccountReducer": {
"user": {
"email": null,
"emailStatus": "EMAIL_UNVALIDATED",
"loggedStatus": "LOGGED_OUT",
"loggingChecked": false,
"articles": [],
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"phoneNumber": null,
"fetchingMembership": false,
"membershipError": false,
"memberships": [
{
"id": null,
"startDate": null,
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"familyNumber": null,
"memberNumber": null,
"memberSince": null,
"expirationDate": null,
"pfsEligible": false,
"isSustaining": false,
"membershipLevel": "Prospect",
"membershipStatus": "Non Member",
"lastGiftDate": null,
"renewalDate": null,
"lastDonationAmount": null
}
]
},
"authModal": {
"isOpen": false,
"view": "LANDING_VIEW"
},
"error": null
},
"youthMediaReducer": {},
"checkPleaseReducer": {
"filterData": {
"region": {
"key": "Restaurant Region",
"filters": [
"Any Region"
]
},
"cuisine": {
"key": "Restaurant Cuisine",
"filters": [
"Any Cuisine"
]
}
},
"restaurantDataById": {},
"restaurantIdsSorted": [],
"error": null
},
"userAgentReducer": {
"userAgent": "CCBot/2.0 (https://commoncrawl.org/faq/)",
"isBot": true
},
"requestOutcomesReducer": {
"notFound": []
}
}
