On a windy day, embers from a fire can fly for miles. The U.S. Forest Service says, “During windy conditions, embers can be carried long distances, causing spot fires and home ignitions far from a wildfire.”
Clearing out 75 percent of the forest will not save our homes and families from wildfire ember ignitions. “Attempts to alter vegetation before fire comes, or to suppress fire when it ignites, are not keeping communities from burning in fast-moving fires,” according to Beverly Law, Ralph Bloemers, Nancy Colleton, and Mackenzie Allen.
What’s most likely to save our homes and lives?