"In the red-brick atrium, adorned with exposed wood and a gothic chandelier, Smith explained that if a fire explodes next to the town and flames will reach homes within minutes, orchestrating a multi-hour evacuation through winding mountain roads for Topanga's more than 8,000 residents will just not be a viable option. In such cases, Smith told attendees at the town's Oct. 4 ReadyFest wildfire preparedness event, the department now plans to order residents to shelter in their homes."
""Your structure may catch on fire," Smith said. "You're going to have religious moments, I guarantee it. But that's your safest option." Wildfire emergency response leaders and experts have described such an approach as concerning and point to Australia as an example: After the nation adopted a similar policy, a series of brush fires in 2009 now known as Black Saturday killed 173 people, many sheltering in their homes."
Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith explained that if a fast-moving fire threatens Topanga and flames will reach homes within minutes, a multi-hour evacuation along winding mountain roads for more than 8,000 residents is not viable. The department plans to order residents to shelter in their homes in such cases. Smith warned that structures may ignite and residents may experience intense, religious moments, but that sheltering is the safest option. Emergency response experts raised concerns, citing Australia's 2009 Black Saturday fires that killed 173 people, many sheltering at home. Many Topanga residents worry about lack of home-hardening measures and clear, tested guidance or communication with first responders.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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