Palm Springs Announces $125M Convention Center Revamp, $405M College Expansion

California is increasingly embracing controlled burns, a practice historically used by Indigenous peoples, to mitigate the growing threat of devastating wildfires. This shift comes after decades of fire suppression policies that led to an unhealthy buildup of vegetation, fueling larger and more destructive fires. The Camp Fire of 2018 and the Holiday Farm Fire of 2020 serve as stark reminders of wildfire devastation, with communities like Paradise and the McKenzie River valley undergoing prolonged recovery efforts while facing ongoing risks such as mudslides and flooding. Researchers emphasize the ecological necessity of fire, comparing it to precipitation for healthy landscapes, and highlight the interdisciplinary nature of fire science. Local initiatives now involve prescribed burns guided by scientists and fire officials to restore natural fire cycles and enhance wildfire resilience. These efforts underscore a broader recognition that fire is integral to California's ecosystems and community safety strategies moving forward.