As fires in Southern California ignite, references to Mike Davis's work resurface, highlighting the deep-rooted issues of fire management in the region. His 1995 essay examines the relationship between local development and natural cycles, emphasizing that total fire suppression has created conditions for catastrophic fires. Davis argues for acknowledging Indigenous practices of controlled burns, asserting Malibu’s environment is not just prone to fire but inherently requires it for ecological balance. The continued exploration of these themes emphasizes the necessity for new ideas amidst worsening fire conditions.
Total fire suppression, he writes, "the official policy in the Southern California mountains since 1919, has been a tragic error because it creates enormous stockpiles of fuel."
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