Most of my corporate life I have been a leader in a manufacturing facility, specifically the maintenance department. My mantra has always been one of "preventative maintenance" vs. running to failure. Simply stated, it can be summarized by the old saying, "pay me now or pay me later". And pay me later is typically much, much more. While this message seemed so logical and clear to me, many times it was difficult to sell up the food chain. The short term savings are difficult to show and that does not garner much support in a plant that makes "widgets" and has daily / weekly / monthly cost goals to be met. This message could be broadened to cover so many other areas. Our own homes we live in, our neighborhoods, our states, our country. Do we have the same running to failure in our own instant gratification society that we live in?
As of January 15, 2025, Southern California is grappling with a series of devastating wildfires that have resulted in significant loss of life and property. The most severe of these, the Palisades Fire, has consumed over 23,700 acres, destroyed more than 5,300 structures, and claimed at least eight lives.  Similarly, the Eaton Fire has burned approximately 14,117 acres, destroyed around 7,000 structures, and resulted in 17 fatalities.  In total, these wildfires have led to the destruction of over 12,000 structures and the evacuation of more than 205,000 residents across Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. 
The rapid spread and intensity of these fires can be attributed to several factors. A prolonged drought has left vegetation exceptionally dry and highly flammable. This situation was exacerbated by an extreme Santa Ana wind event, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph, which fanned the flames and facilitated their swift expansion.  Additionally, the region has experienced eight months without measurable rainfall, further contributing to the arid conditions that fuel wildfires. 
In response to the escalating crisis, local and state authorities have declared a state of emergency. Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized additional firefighting resources, and President Joe Biden has approved a Major Disaster Declaration to facilitate federal assistance.  Despite these efforts, containment remains challenging due to the severe weather conditions and the sheer scale of the fires.
The current situation underscores the need for comprehensive wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies. Several measures could have been implemented to reduce the risk and impact of such catastrophic events:
Vegetation Management: Regular clearing of dry brush and dead trees can significantly reduce the amount of fuel available for wildfires. Implementing controlled burns and mechanical thinning in high-risk areas would help manage vegetation density and decrease fire intensity. 
Infrastructure Upgrades: Modernizing the electrical grid to prevent equipment failures that can spark fires is crucial. This includes replacing aging power lines, insulating conductors, and implementing advanced monitoring systems to detect faults before they lead to ignition. 
Land Use Planning: Restricting development in fire-prone areas and enforcing strict building codes that require fire-resistant materials can mitigate property damage and loss of life. Urban planning should consider fire risk assessments to guide safe development. 
Community Education and Preparedness: Educating residents about wildfire risks and preparedness measures, such as creating defensible space around properties and developing evacuation plans, can enhance community resilience. Public awareness campaigns and community drills are effective tools in this regard. 
Climate Change Mitigation: Addressing the broader issue of climate change, which contributes to prolonged droughts and extreme weather events, is essential. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in sustainable practices can help mitigate the underlying factors exacerbating wildfire risks. 
Implementing these measures requires coordinated efforts among government agencies, utility companies, communities, and individuals. While it is impossible to eliminate wildfire risks entirely, proactive steps can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of such events, protecting lives, property, and the environment.
I pray for the safety of all the people directly affected, specifically the responders and those that live in the neighborhoods. Unfortunately, this is sometimes what pay me later can look like. We need to demand more of our elected officials and those that hold leadership positions that oversee our infrastructure.

This is an EXCELLENT article. Very insightful.