L.A. Tears Down Palm Trees After Fire

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

Drought.gov lays out the reasons the palms can be dangerous. During drought conditions, fuels for wildfire, such as grasses and trees, can dry out and become more flammable. Drought can also increase the probability of ignition and the rate at which fire spreads.”

There is no estimate for what it will cost to tear these trees down or where they will be taken. Residents are unlikely to carry the burden, leaving it to local governments to foot the bill.

Preparing For Hazards

The L.A. decision raises the issue of the extent to which hazardous conditions should be regulated in any area with catastrophes caused by the weather or environment. This would mean at least a more stringent and widely enforced set of building codes in areas along the US South Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The same would be true of building codes for residences and businesses affected by tornadoes and hailstorms in the country’s center.

Palm trees are just the tip of the iceberg.