The devastating fires in Los Angeles highlight urgent wildfire risks for Durango and similar towns in the West
Los Angeles: The recent wildfires have been a real eye-opener. On January 7, fierce winds turned brush-covered hills into raging flames, destroying over 12,000 homes and businesses. The devastation is hard to look at.
Now, folks are wondering if Durango, a small town in Colorado, could face a similar fate. The landscapes of both places are quite alike, and while Durango doesn’t get the same hurricane-force winds, it does have strong gusts that can carry embers far.
People in both cities love living near nature, which has led to homes being built in risky areas. In both places, million-dollar houses are nestled among trees that can easily catch fire.
There’s also a lack of strict regulations to prevent building in these wildland areas. Water supply is another concern. Los Angeles quickly ran out of water while battling multiple fires. Durango has some storage, but it wouldn’t last long if several hydrants were in use at once.
Durango has seen its share of wildfires too. The Missionary Ridge Fire in 2002 burned a massive area, and in 2018, another fire came close but thankfully didn’t destroy any homes, thanks to a coordinated firefighting effort.
Randy Black, the fire chief in Durango, emphasizes the importance of being prepared. He believes that building relationships among firefighting teams and planning ahead are crucial. The Durango Fire District has a dedicated team focused on preventing wildfires before they start.
They work on creating fire breaks and thinning out wooded areas to reduce fire risks. Black warns that without these efforts, entire neighborhoods could go up in flames.
Insurance is another big issue. Many companies are hesitant to cover homes in fire-prone areas. In fact, when Durango built a new firehouse, they struggled to find insurance. The state has introduced a basic insurance plan, but it doesn’t cover much.
Experts suggest a few key steps for towns to tackle wildfire risks. First, they recommend stricter building codes for homes in wildland areas. Second, they encourage residents to get involved by assessing their fire risks and creating defensible spaces around their homes.
Lastly, they suggest using fire-resistant materials for homes. Black, who built his own house, chose materials that can withstand flames. If homeowners take these precautions, they might keep their insurance policies intact.
As of January 12, the Los Angeles fires have claimed 24 lives, serving as a stark reminder for everyone in the West, especially in Durango.
