Fire

City workers in yellow vests and hard hats working to shut off water infrastructure after wildfire in destroyed neighborhood in Spokane, Washington.

Nearly a third of US housing is in the wildland-urban interface — and at growing risk of wildfire

As suburbs increasingly mingle with undeveloped land, homes face a higher risk from destructive fires.

August 10, 2026 - High Country News

Large, orange fire burning on hillside behind SPanish-style homes in Azusa, California.

80% of California homes built between 2020-2022 are in high fire risk areas

In 2020, California wildfires destroyed nearly a fifth of homes they came in contact with.

August 4, 2026 - Los Angeles Times

Two firefighters stand at edge of paved road looking at burned, smoldering forest after fire.

Wildfires have burned 2.3 million acres this year — before wildfire season

This year's fires are not contained to the West, with wildfires destroying hundreds of thousands of acres in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

June 10, 2026 - Morning Overview

Grey two-story home rebuilt in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles after 2025 wildfire.

Los Angeles Issues First Occupancy Permit in Pacific Palisades Since Wildfires

Permits in the Palisades are being issued at nearly three times the typical rate as before the wildfires.

December 5, 2025 - LA Downtown News

Destroyed Altadena Community Church facade after Eaton Fire in Altadena, California.

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.

January 20, 2025 - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Homes in Altadena, California with mountains in background on a sunny day.

Altadena’s Resilience: Restoring a Fire-Ravaged Community

The Eaton Fire has devastated Altadena, destroying homes, cultural landmarks, and community institutions, while residents rally to rebuild and preserve the town's rich history, diversity, and neighborly character.

January 19, 2025 - NBC News

Eaton Canyon trailhead in Los Angeles County on a cloudy day.

Wildfires Devastate LA Outdoor Education Spaces and Schools

The current Los Angeles wildfires have destroyed schools and outdoor education spaces like Eaton Canyon, displacing families and disrupting vital learning and community resources while highlighting the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

January 14, 2025 - AP News

"Danger Extreme Fire Hazard" sign on street sign post below "No Parking" sign.

Rising Temperatures and the Escalating Wildfire Crisis

Rising global temperatures driven by climate change are intensifying and prolonging wildfire seasons worldwide, necessitating improved forest management, public awareness, and urgent action to reduce fossil fuel emissions.

January 12, 2025 - DW.com

Line of wildfire moving across dry hillside in Malibu, California during 2018 Woolsey fire.

December Wildfires Could Signal Shifting Fire Season

A mix of strong seasonal Santa Ana winds and an unusually dry year is fueling winter wildfires in California.

December 15, 2024 - High Country News

People walking and on bikes on paved multiuse path in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York City.

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.

November 14, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Longleaf pine prairie in the Savage Christmas Creek Preserve near Orlando, Florida.

Harnessing GIS and Fire for Longleaf Pine Conservation

Scientists in Florida are using GIS technology to strategically manage prescribed burns, aiding in the restoration and biodiversity of longleaf pine ecosystems while enhancing climate resilience across the Southeast.

October 23, 2024 - Esri Blog

Firefighting helicopter sillhouetted against orange nighttime wildfire in California with trees visible at bottom of image.

California Fire Dashboard Tracks Statewide Resilience Efforts

The online map builds a comprehensive database of fire prevention and mitigation efforts at every level of government to help agencies coordinate their work and understand the impacts of projects.

October 16, 2024 - Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

Wildfire burning under power transmission towers and large trees at night.

Intense October Heat Wave Raises Fire Risk in California

Unusually high temperatures across the state are prompting power shutoffs and could fuel more destructive wildfires.

October 3, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Palm trees on Santa Barbara beach against the red glow of a wildfire

Wildfires Explode Across the West

Multiple massive fires are burning across the Western United States and Canada, prompting governments to explore new mitigation and response strategies.

August 1, 2024 - Inside Climate News

Two firefighters in a forest fore looking at tablet.

California Using AI to Get Ahead of Wildfires

The state is pioneering the use of technology to identify wildfire risks and alert firefighters before blazes get out of control.

July 2, 2024 - Governing

Wildfire burning at night on hillsides next to Lake Elsinore, California.

California Faces Early Surge in Wildfires

Summer is just beginning, but wildfires in California have already burned more than 90,000 acres.

June 24, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of massive Los Angeles freeway interchange.

Audit: Caltrans Ignored Red Flags Before Freeway Fire

A lax inspection schedule contributed to the hazardous conditions that led to the massive blaze that shut down Interstate 10 in Los Angeles last year.

June 10, 2024 - Spectrum News 1

Aerial view of forest damaged by wildfire in Texas.

How Climate Change Drives Bigger Wildfires

In many places, climate change is creating ideal conditions for fires to grow larger and more destructive.

March 25, 2024 - USA Today

Aerial view of massive Los Angeles freeway interchange with dense housing and industrial areas around it.

Fire Officials Say More LA Freeway Underpasses at Fire Risk

The city’s fire department is surveying other underpasses for hazardous materials and other code violations that led to the November 11 fire that shut down a key interstate segment.

November 29, 2023 - Fox 11 Los Angeles

Aerial view of scorched forest area in Round Mountain, central Texas

As Central Texas Population Grows, So Does Fire Risk

Sprawl in and around Austin is contributing to growing wildfire risks, and local officials worry about a lack of public awareness of the issue.

June 1, 2023 - Bloomberg CityLab

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

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