Are NoVA and other DC areas prepared to handle forest fires near populated areas?

[Anonymous]

The finger-pointing in LA county and last year in Hawaii makes me wonder if our local first responders are properly funded and infrastructure sound enough to protect us from fire-related catastrophes. I understand we won’t know until such an event occurs (hopefully, we never do). We haven’t had droughts quite like CA but they’ve still been happening here and weve plenty of forested areas (Great Falls, Prince William Forest, etc.).

[Anonymous]

No. But we are usually a bit damper than West Maui and SoCal.
I would not live in any wooded area with one way out and would have cleared perimeter, fire safe construction, sprinklers. Maybe a pool or pond.
Arlington and its tree canopy hubrid bugs the shi"t out of me.

[Anonymous]

Well arlington isn't.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/arlington-county-fire-companies-brown-out-staffing-shortages/65-6eb6d89b-fbe7-4cff-b27b-23c04a32c934

[Anonymous]

The risk of fires is much lower in Nova than SoCal. The average precipitation in Nova (Fairfax County) is around 44 inches a year and the annual average humidity is around 66%. The average precipitation in LA is only around 14 inches a year and the average annual humidity is 52%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The risk of fires is much lower in Nova than SoCal. The average precipitation in Nova (Fairfax County) is around 44 inches a year and the annual average humidity is around 66%. The average precipitation in LA is only around 14 inches a year and the average annual humidity is 52%.

We also don't have the same type of landscape with canyons and hills.

[Anonymous]

It's not dry enough here long enough for fire to be an issue the same way. We have enough to contend with flooding, hurricane and ice storm wise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well arlington isn't.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/arlington-county-fire-companies-brown-out-staffing-shortages/65-6eb6d89b-fbe7-4cff-b27b-23c04a32c934

Grrrrreeeaaatt. I feel better already.

And reC area usually being more humid usually than LA county (a desert!), thank you, Capt. Obvious.

[Anonymous]

The question is whether you are ready for an emergency

[Anonymous]

Umm, our climate is vastly different than the California fires.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Umm, our climate is vastly different than the California fires.

Sure, but are we prepared for anything small on a smaller scale?

[Anonymous]

Nope.

That's why we call the fire department when our crazy neighbor tries to o cut down and then burn all the trees in his yard.

[Anonymous]

The DMV just had fires this year, the mountains in MD, October I think. does no one else remember? let me see if I can find a link

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The DMV just had fires this year, the mountains in MD, October I think. does no one else remember? let me see if I can find a link

"Since October 1, 2024, the Maryland Forest Service has responded to over 24 wildfires that have burned a total of 75 acres — well above the 10-year average. The state has experienced less than 25% of typical October precipitation, leaving Maryland’s landscape highly susceptible to fires. "

https://www.washco-md.net/news/washington-county-office-of-emergency-management-shares-statewide-open-air-burning-ban-information/#:~:text=Since%20October%201%2C%202024%2C%20the,landscape%20highly%20susceptible%20to%20fires.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The finger-pointing in LA county and last year in Hawaii makes me wonder if our local first responders are properly funded and infrastructure sound enough to protect us from fire-related catastrophes. I understand we won’t know until such an event occurs (hopefully, we never do). We haven’t had droughts quite like CA but they’ve still been happening here and weve plenty of forested areas (Great Falls, Prince William Forest, etc.).

Good subject to bring up. The LA Time's payment wall is down on its fire news coverage and two fire experts weigh in on this subject:

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-01-11/fire-experts-asses-los-angeles-blazes-amid-changing-times

[Anonymous]

Thank you for that link.