[TXnMA]

"... defensible space clearing would have prevented or vastly ameliorated a lot of these fires effects."

That's a key point!

Here in the middle of the East Texas Piney Woods, I live in the midst of a large timberland tract. I'm not a big fan of mowing, but I "finish-mow" a 3-acre "lawn" surrounding our homesite -- for two main reasons:

1. The "standoff distance" from the treeline greatly reduces danger from radiant heating and wind-fanned flames.

2. Experience fighting "grass fires" on the Texas Coastal Prairie tells me that, even as old as I am, I can stop a "ground-burn" in the short, mowed grass (with only a wet burlap bag, if necessary) before it reaches critical structures, etc.

If you're further interested in the CA fires, my #1211 will point you to a couple of my other analytical discussions of the subject...

TXnMA
  

[za_claws]

y'all check this out... finally

Rand Paul Speech!