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The Terrifying Choices Created by Wildfires
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The Terrifying Choices Created by Wildfires

Many Californians are confronting a series of confounding decision – among them, whether they should fight or flee.

Ingfei Chen
The New Yorker, 2022
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Eye Opening
  • Concrete Examples
  • Eloquent

Recommendation

New Yorker writer Ingfei Chen offers a steady look at the threat of wildfires in California, explaining why and how people living in the state’s “wildland-urban interface” can’t rely on the government for warnings and salvation, but must face the decision to flee or fight back largely on their own. People can take some measures to fireproof their homes, but hardening individual dwellings isn’t enough protection unless an entire community cooperates to be “firewise.” Local authorities need to step up. Anyone vulnerable to natural disasters should take note of this powerful report.

Take-Aways

  • “Fight or Flight” is taking on a new literal meaning for Californians who face wildfires.
  • Successful evacuations rely on communications. Residents may not receive the warnings anyway.
  • The big problem isn’t “mass panic,” but increasing fire hazards plus institutional missteps and lack of coordination.

About the Author

Ingfei Chen is a freelance science writer and editor for The New Yorker and other publications.

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