L.A. County fire chief advocates for resident training to fight wildfires

In Los Angeles County, California, a significant shift is occurring in how officials address wildfire threats. Traditionally, residents were instructed to evacuate immediately when wildfires approach. However, L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl Marrone is endorsing a new approach that involves training residents to defend their own homes. This change comes in response to the increasing incidence of wildfires and the limited resources available to firefighting teams. Evidence from recent fires, including the Palisades Fire, shows that some residents successfully saved their homes while firefighters were overwhelmed. These residents used various tools, including professional equipment and garden hoses, proving that it is possible to fight fires at a community level. The training provided by L.A. County Fire aims to empower citizens to better protect their properties through home hardening and maintaining defensible spaces, emphasizing that self-defense against wildfires is feasible with the right preparation and tools. While this approach is not suitable for everyone—especially those with health issues or lacking escape routes—it indicates a shift in how wildfire response can be viewed. There are simply not enough firefighters to protect every structure, and officials acknowledge that traditional methods of solely promoting evacuation may no longer suffice. Community brigades are being established to further train residents, as exemplified by Keegan Gibbs, whose interest in fighting wildfires grew after losing his own home. The county's efforts reflect an urgent need to adapt to changing wildfire dynamics. As climate conditions worsen, the challenge of combating wildfires while ensuring resident safety continues to grow, inviting a broader conversation about community preparedness and the role of individuals in safeguarding their homes against nature's threats.