Multiple massive fires are burning across the Western United States and Canada, prompting governments to explore new mitigation and response strategies.
Wildfires are spreading across the West, straining firefighting resources and threatening communities across California, Oregon, and Canada.
According to a piece by Kiley Price in Inside Climate News, “The intense nature of these fires has made them extremely difficult to fight. In California, around 4,800 firefighters have been deployed to the Park Fire, but only around 14 percent is contained so far.” In Canada, the town of Jasper has been largely destroyed, displacing roughly 5,000 residents.
Price notes the economic damages of the fires, adding, “A forthcoming report by economic analysis group IMPLAN finds that wildfires could cost the U.S. economy nearly $90 billion this year, Heatmap News reports.”
The growing intensity of fires is causing government officials to explore new strategies for identifying risks, preventing major fires through prescribed burns, and responding to fires quickly and effectively. “In June, NOAA tested two experimental tools that use satellites and artificial intelligence to more rapidly identify fires and communicate information to land managers so they can deploy forces to fight the blazes before they spread.” Prescribed burns and brush clearing, practiced by indigenous people for centuries, are once again becoming key tools in wildfire management.
FULL STORY: Supercharged by Climate Change, Western Megafires Explode Simultaneously
Climate Change Spurs Need for Better Fire Management
Controlling fire has never been a strong suit for humans. Now, as climate change sets in, the need for better fire management is becoming dire, according to researchers.
UCLA Experts Offer Critical Support for LA Wildfire Response and Recovery
The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation offers expert guidance on LA wildfire response and recovery, addressing critical issues like water safety, air quality, equitable rebuilding, and climate adaptation to promote resilience and sustainability.
New Yorkers Face New Climate Risks
A two-acre fire in a city park prompted city officials to ban grilling while urging residents to conserve water to limit the impact of a historic drought.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)