Science Friday The Community Group Rethinking LA's Approach To Wildfires
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Jan 7, 2026 In this engaging discussion, multimedia journalist Adriana Cargill and former USDA Forest Service scientist Dr. Jack Cohen delve into wildfire prevention in LA. Cargill explores the origins of a community brigade that emerged post-Woolsey Fire, focusing on home hardening techniques to enhance safety. Cohen highlights that airborne embers often ignite homes, urging homeowners to clear gutters and debris. They stress the importance of shared responsibility in wildfire prevention, blending community action with institutional support for a safer future.
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Community Brigade Born From Woolsey Fire
- After the 2018 Woolsey Fire, Keegan Gibbs and neighbors formed a brigade when emergency responders were stretched thin across multiple fires.
- Many members had lost homes and galvanized to prevent future loss by organizing locally and learning as they went.
A Different Kind Of Brigade
- The Community Brigade model differs from other brigades by combining home hardening education with active evacuation and post-fire support.
- Adriana Cargill noted she hadn't seen anything quite like their multifaceted approach.
Train Locally And Prioritize Evacuations
- Teach neighbors home hardening measures and coordinate evacuation planning before fires occur.
- During incidents, focus on evacuations and post-fire tasks like repopulation and coordinating donations.