The devastation was astounding but simultaneously not new. The Los Angeles fires left a trail of disaster in its wake—29 dead, 17,000 homes destroyed or damaged and 200,000 people evacuated. As climate change intensifies and wildfires like the Silverado Fire in Irvine grow more frequent, many in Southern California, have asked: what have we done, and what can we do?
While local governments have worked to improve fire risk management, the reality is that it is not a question of if another fire will threaten our communities, but when. It is time for a coordinated local effort to improve fire prevention and response and coordination, or devastation will persist.
Fire preparedness starts with us:
An essential aspect of fire mitigation is individual.
One of the most effective measures is creating defensible space around neighborhoods. Trimming trees, clearing dry grasses and removing flammable debris can slow the spread of fire. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection recommends maintaining at least 100 feet of defensible space around homes, keeping vegetation well-watered and using non-combustible materials in landscaping.
Another step is removing fire-prone plants. Irvine, according to the 2024 report by the Orange County chapter of the California Native Plant Society, is home to 75 high-risk non-native species. Many of these, like black mustard, grow rapidly, dry out in the summer and become flammable. Volunteer-led efforts, such as those of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, have worked to replace invasive species with native plants.
“Irvine in general does a great job with landscape management within its city boundaries,” science teacher Megan Stuart said. “That said, I’d like to see more native plants as part of the landscaping process, as they are more resistant to drought conditions.”
Having a fire evacuation plan is just as important as preventing the fire itself. Families should create and practice wildfire escape routes, ensure emergency supplies are stocked and stay informed about evacuation procedures. Being ready ahead of time can mean the difference between safety and disaster.
Strengthening community and policy responses:
Individual action is just one part of the solution; the restoration and expansion of funding for firefighting efforts remains essential. The recent $200 million budget cuts in Los Angeles, which included $17 million cuts to the fire department, have alarmed many, amongst them Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who said that such cuts made the department unprepared to respond to fire emergencies. Nationally, the problem runs deeper: according to The Guardian, federal firefighters are paid as little as fast food workers. Funding increases are necessary to ensure readiness.
Local governments must adopt fire prevention strategies. Alice Hill of the Council on Foreign Relations suggests using fire-resistant materials and creating comprehensive fire management plans that detect risks. Irvine incorporated many of these recommendations into a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan drafted during the Silverado Fires. According to the plan, mitigation measures include vegetation management, restrictions on building materials in fire-prone areas and improved water access for firefighting. The plan also highlights steps the city has taken to strengthen cooperation with the Orange County Fire Authority to better assess areas facing the most risk.
It is undeniable that these changes are challenging to implement. However, the reality is that these fires are only expected to be further exacerbated by climate change—one report by the California Climate Change Assessment report projects a 50% increase in fire frequency. With a joint effort, the damage of fires can be limited—for the benefit of us all.
