There are two responses to start.
First is to build a defensible space around your home. This means clearing away the dead and burnable stuff. The roof and walls should have flame restiant materials. This will also help the fire fighters save one’s home.
Second is a healthy forest. We have not used science in decades thus we are in a big mess. Logging dead trees provide jobs for small rural communities as well as removes fuel for future fires.
Similar occurance in Northern NM.
I have no confidence in the Forest Service to have the slightest idea how to promote a healthy forest. They culled all the dead trees and did massive removal in a couple areas around here. The run off and erosion was terrible, and we don’t get much rain.
I’ve done quite a bit around my land to try and delay the beetles advance. Removal of weak and small trees to reduce competition. Use of removed tree trunks (4-6” diameter to produce “terraces” on sloped land to increase water retention and reduce runoff.
Of course it all depends on the amount of precipitation we get. It was good in the winter and early spring, but dry now. Hope the monsoons gear up.