In the last two decades our country has seen a dramatic increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires. There are different viewpoints on what policies should be adopted to reduce this risk.

• Some argue that smaller naturally occurring wildfires should be allowed to burn as they reduce fuel loads and are part of the ecosystem. Do you agree with the view in populated areas? o Some wealthy homeowners retain special insurance policies that will deploy private firefighters to protect only their house in the event of a wildfire. Is protecting specific houses in a widespread crisis ethically appropriate?
• Where woodland meets developed populated areas is termed the “Wildland/Urban Interface”. What steps do you think a homeowner could take on or around their property to reduce their exposure to wildland fires?