Part 7/9:
The county asserts that strict building codes and mitigation strategies are in place to protect residents. Homes constructed with fire-resistant materials, combined with defensible space—such as clearing vegetation around structures—and community planning, are designed to improve survivability. California Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant emphasizes that with proper materials and homeowner intervention, homes can be made safer, and survival rates in wildfires can improve.
Regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. Yet, even with these precautions, the risk remains significant. Experts acknowledge that wildfires can sometimes leap or sweep through areas unexpectedly, raising ongoing concerns about the safety and sustainability of building in such zones.