[John H K]

This would not be happening if the United States, this wealthiest nation on earth, had a DEFENSE DEPARTMENT and a WHITE HOUSE that had cared enough about the American people to make sure there was a NATIONAL FIRE-FIGHTING FORCE equipped to protect us, which is what our government's number one obligation is supposed to be.

Has more to do with people wanting to live in a scrub-chaparral environment and unfortunate weather conditions than the absence of some sort of "National Fire-Fighting Force."

And (donning flame-resistant suit) why should people that don't live in such fire-prone environments pay for such a force, any more than people that don't live on barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic should pay for sea walls/jetties/beach replacement/replacing homes of those that do?

[Senormechanico]

"And (donning flame-resistant suit) why should people that don't live in such fire-prone environments pay for such a force, any more than people that don't live on barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic should pay for sea walls/jetties/beach replacement/replacing homes of those that do?"
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No flaming here; you're spot on.
We live on an island, and it's amazing how many people here complain that the state run ferry system subsidies are being cut. They complain that they pay more of the percentage of the REAL COST of a ride than other ferry runs. The nerve!
It should cost what it costs to run the ferry.

If you need a special fire fighting force, we shouldn't have to pay for it.

That being said, we're all praying for So. Cal. in more ways than one.

[Pukin Dog]

There are a good number of us down here who pay horrendous water bills in order to prevent(as best we can) danger from fires. My property is protected by ground cover, sprinkers surrounding the lot, and a pool pump for extra water if I need it. Outside my property, it is as barren brushland, but only the largest fires are going to damage my property.

[LaraCroft]

"Has more to do with people wanting to live in a scrub-chaparral environment and unfortunate weather conditions than the absence of some sort of "National Fire-Fighting Force."

Actually it has more to do with wacky environmental ideas that have lead to these areas not having had fires for 25 years.