Post Wildfire Damage:

 We had a wildfire consume much of the area, where we lived. in 2018 - the spring wildfire was the third worst at that time in state history.  While we left the area and moved in 2023, we still get photos from contacts in that area. There are still many burned trees standing, with holes in them from where the sap exploded due to the intense heat. Many new people have moved into the community and I can tell from their comments on Facebook posts that they do not have a clue what a wildfire is like. 

The grasses, weeds and small trees are growing back but the dead trees still stand blackened, as a testament to what once was. Information post wildfire was not consistent and what I learned was different than what most other folks heard. Rumors were abounding and if you didn't know the source you could have an inaccurate version, of how a wildfire really was. Many have left the area and many never came back to the area to rebuild their homes. 

Sadly many of the current residents are not receptive to suggestions of wildfire mitigation and while the debate goes on nothing is being done to protect themselves. The volunteers that used to man the wildfire equipment are hard to find. Those who live there now don't even know who has access to the keys for the firefighting vehicles. Wildfires that once devastated the area are no longer considered a serious threat and take a lower priority. When living remotely in a wooded area wildfire should always be the highest priority. 

Insurance costs are extremely high if any company will even insure you. I read one homeowner had to pay over $8,000.00 a year for coverage. That was for a home that was less that 900 square feet.  Others were unable to obtain coverage at all. If you had a mortgage on your home you had to have coverage as the mortgage company forced you to have it. To go uninsured you put your greatest asset at risk. 

Wildfires and the damage they create have what is known as a long tail. Even after the initial destruction happens, future damage comes in many forms and ways long after the fact.  Those burned trees that still exist are only burned on the outer part of the tree and under that blackened part is still good solid wood that will burn. I know as I cut many trees that were burned like that and used them for firewood. They were messy to handle but they burned well in our woodstove as they were dry and efficient. 

Wildfires are nothing to take lightly and people need to educate themselves on protecting themselves and their property.