Those living near oil and gas wells face increased risks from wildfires, which threaten these infrastructures and could lead to explosions, pollution, and other hazards, particularly affecting communities of color.

As wildfires rage across California, millions of residents living near oil and gas wells face heightened risks from explosions, pollution, and infrastructure damage. As reported by Hayley Smith, a study in the journal One Earth found that over 100,000 wells in the western U.S., primarily in California, are located in high fire-risk areas, putting nearly 3 million people at greater danger. These wells, both active and inactive, present significant hazards during wildfires due to potential leaks and combustible emissions.
California's oil wells, especially in Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern, and Orange counties, are particularly vulnerable. Historical incidents, such as the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak and the 2017 Thomas Fire, highlight the dangers, which are expected to increase with climate change. The study found a significant rise in wells within wildfire burn areas over recent decades, with further increases projected by mid-century. This growing risk underscores the need for proactive measures to protect affected communities.
Efforts to address these risks include California's recent legislation prohibiting new wells near homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, as well as increased funding for plugging abandoned wells. However, the study warns of a "pernicious feedback loop" where fossil fuel production exacerbates global warming, which in turn intensifies the frequency and severity of wildfires. This cycle necessitates stronger actions to reduce fossil fuel reliance and enhance safety for those living near oil and gas infrastructure.
The study also highlights that exposure to oil wells in wildfire-prone areas disproportionately affects Black, Latino, and Native American communities. These groups often reside in neighborhoods with a higher density of oil wells due to historical redlining and economic factors. Addressing these environmental justice issues requires comprehensive strategies to limit drilling in high-risk areas, improve monitoring technologies, and enforce stricter safety regulations to protect vulnerable populations.
FULL STORY: Millions of Californians live near oil and gas wells that are in the path of wildfires

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Car Designs Make it Harder to See Pedestrians
Blind spots created by thicker pillars built to withstand rollover crashes are creating dangerous conditions for people outside vehicles.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie