The LA wildfires were so severe because high winds drove fire and embers from tree to tree and bush to bush. Among those most likely to spread the flames were palm trees dried out by weeks without rain. The area fires eventually killed over 20 people, burned 50,000 acres, and destroyed over 10,000 structures. Over 200,000 people had to leave their homes. The Los Angeles Fire Department has set new rules to “remove palm trees” from several fire-prone places.
Under the new rules, “Removal is necessary for palms listed in the High Hazard list if the palms are located in Zone A, especially if abutting or overhanging a structure.” Zones are used to identify areas most at risk for fires. They also designate how high trees grow. Additionally, the rules add, “Palms identified in the High Hazard list are not allowed in Zone A.”
Dangerous Conditions …