This week in Time Magazine for Kids we read about the wildfires in California that are causing all kinds of problems. The fires are worsened by the dry, hot temperatures that California typically experiences this time of year. In California, wildfire season lasts all the way into November. Firefighters work around the clock to control the problems, but the fires continue to spread. Over 12,000 structures have been threatened by the fires in Southern California. We want to know what you think: Should people be allowed to build homes near areas that are prone to fires? Why or Why not?
7 comments:
No, it will cause more fire! no, because people will die when their in homes.-amindra michelle
I think people should not build homes near fire-prone areas because they can die from breathing too much smoke. Also, they can make the fire worse by smoking and leaving cigarettes near dry areas.
Eric A and David P
I think no. It causes more fires! no, because people can die when they're are in their homes.
Hi this is Maria,
I think that this article is very interesting.I dont think that people should be allowed to build homes near areas that are prone to fires because during the summer a lot of fires occur and if there are people living around those areas well its not good because there could be a lot of accidents.
from Maria
I think peaple should be carfull about were they live because they could die from the smoke.they should not smoke in ereas were it is easy to catch a fire.peaple should be smarter than to smoke in a dry erea because thats what some of the fires are caused from.peaple should help fight the fires insted of starting the fires.see you on monday ms.springer.isaiah
Hey class-
I’m here at work in Boulder, CO but coming originally from Sydney, Australia this subject of fire catches my attention. In 1994, in my parents’ hometown outside of Sydney, close to 225 homes were destroyed. The fires overall were 80 separate fires that burnt out about 5,000 sq. miles along the east coast of Australia.
My thought is that there are too many great locations and populations are too large to stop people from building in desired locations, however governments and local groups have to enforce building codes, charge builder/ buyers extra, approve fire resistant materials and have people that make the choice to build in these areas responsible for the immediate land around their homes and land.
Earlier this year, as an example, the Australian government set the rules for building companies and the Housing Industry Associations to set standards. Some of these rules include metal shutters for windows, more use of metal and non-combustible materials, and STRICT temperature standards for various materials – which is over 1500 degrees Fahrenheit that the house must be able to withstand!!
Other factors used to determine the required construction standards are the distance from the bush, the slope of the bush and the type of vegetation nearby.
Bushfires take resources from local governments, which our tax dollars support. If people that choose to live in these fire prone areas take the necessary steps, I see no reason why individuals shouldn’t be able to build in these areas – my feeling is they will anyway as these are the desired areas.
Wow, this is some amazing higher level thinking going on! This is impressive work Ms. Springer's class! Mrs. Williams
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