Southern California faces a growing wildfire threat but remains unprepared

Southern California continues to experience devastating wildfires, but residents remain surprisingly unprepared despite living in one of the nation's most disaster-prone regions.

Conor Friedersdorf reports for The Atlantic.

In short:

Wildfires have recently burned almost 200 square miles, forcing evacuations and destroying homes across Southern California.
Surveys show that a majority of Californians are not prepared for natural disasters, even though many recognize the risks.
The region's mild climate may lead to a false sense of security, with residents often forgetting the dangers between fire seasons.

Key quote:

“Los Angeles County scores 100 out of 100, making it the riskiest locale in the nation.”

— ClaimGuide report

Why this matters:

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive, yet public preparedness lags behind. This ongoing lack of preparation leaves the region vulnerable not only to fires but also to secondary disasters like mudslides, which can follow in burned areas during the rainy season.

Related EHN coverage:

www.theatlantic.com

Southern California faces a growing wildfire threat but remains unprepared

Canada announces new methane emission standards for oil and gas sector

Here's the global playbook being used to crack down on climate protest

Greenpeace’s fight with pipeline giant exposes a legal loophole

Ultra-processed diets drive obesity and climate change — but solutions are within reach

India's Parliament approves bill to open civil nuclear power sector to private firms

The year the US doubled down on critical minerals

The brawl over the Colorado River is about more than water

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.