When the devastating Woolsey fires hit Southern California in 2018, many of my neighbors stayed behind to protect their homes. According to the Los Angeles Times, firefighters underestimated the power of the Woolsey fire and didn’t put enough resources toward the Woolsey fire. As a consequence, many people stayed behind to save their homes. Residents fought the fires themselves without the proper equipment.
Many residents in Southern California have decided that in the future they will be prepared to fight their own fires if firefighters are not available. Some neighborhoods have purchased private fire trucks and put together groups to learn about fire.
The most obvious danger of fire is heat but most fire deaths are due to smoke inhalation. In a house fire, the effects of heat and smoke/fumes are usually more rapid than the effects of injury from the flames itself. For those who don’t die, some have sustained carbon monoxide poising which has a risk for cognitive delays or other neurological problems.
There is no doubt that fire has a risk of death and permanent disability. But for those who went through the Woolsey fire, many were willing to take that risk. Others are finding ways to make their property less combustible. When neighbors work together they can find ways to help each other during a fire.
In California, prison inmates can volunteer to help fight fires. The volunteer has to meet certain criteria. For example, disqualifying offenses include sexual offenses, arson and a history of escape. Inmates who volunteer must also have five years or less remaining on their sentences to be considered. Shawn Lynn Jones was an inmate in a Los Angeles county jail when she volunteered to fight a fire in California. But she was struck by a boulder at the scene of the fire. She was airlifted to UCLA Medical Center and later died of major head injuries. She was just 22 years old.
While fire is an extreme hazard for health, those who want to save their properties are finding ways to prevent fire in the first place. Others feel passionate enough to learn how to protect their homes when there is no intervention.
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The Woolsey fire was a tough situation. Started by the utility company and then the fire department miscalculated how big the fire would get so they didn’t have the resources. Some people saved their houses and got smoke inhalation.