Linda Healow

Excellent, as it addresses what needs to be considered when evaluating these devastating fires. Topics I have not seen addressed, let alone put together in a single film. Bravo! In addition to the human story, the film looks at how climate change exacerbates the conditions. Refreshingly the filmmaker also explores the need to look at wildland/urban interface, expanding population in these areas, defensible space for homes, zoning, land management, the negative impact of logging/clearcutting, resultant invasive and non-native plant species that follow mismanagement, the impossible job for US Forest Service staff and local firefighters, ties between the timber industry and the US Department of Agriculture, the history of fire suppression, willingness to fund fire suppression, willingness to apply lessons learned and current science. Factor in human nature and it's an important look at what needs to change, and the film reveals hesitancy by those impacted to implement change. The title comes from the action of a wealthy couple that had the resources to hire their own fire crew during the Malibu fire. As a citizen of the mountain west, this film tackled issues that no one seems to want to explore. Thank you and fine work, Lucy Walker.