wildfire risk

Nighttime view of wildfire in Los Angeles hills.

'Place Shock' and the Ecology of Fear

How to conceive of rebuilding places amid sudden change in a region known for its “ecology of fear?” As the city embarks on the arduous task of rebuilding, the question arises: how do we reconcile the imperatives of safety and sustainability with the deeply ingrained human desire for continuity, for a sense of rootedness in the familiar?

January 15, 2025 - Resurgence: A Journey via Substack

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

Empty subdivision lots with new roads and sidewalks complete and line of evergreen forest in the immediate background under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds..

Spokane Imposes Temporary Ban on New Subdivision Housing Due to Wildfire Risk

Citing inadequate fire protection and public safety resources, the Spokane City Council has temporarily halted subdivision development in the wildland-urban interface of Latah Valley.

May 22, 2024 - NonStop Local

Two-lane asphalt road with smoke filling the sky in Texas Panhandle.

Texas Faces Higher Wildfire Risks

Climate change is causing more destructive wildfires, prompting home insurers to reconsider coverage in the state.

March 6, 2024 - The New York Times

Night view of wildfire burning near residential area in California

Wildfire Exposure More Than Doubled Since 2000

More intense and widespread fires caused by climate change and changing air temperature are threatening more existing communities.

July 6, 2023 - Source NM

Fire burning on hillside behind house in Azusa, California

California Needs More Housing—But Where?

The state’s housing shortage is complicated by the growing number of places threatened by wildfires.

October 13, 2022 - CALmatters

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.