A premium on the fire-prone

Living in Southern California is all about location. Some locations, however, come with major risks. Waves and winter storm winds buffet oceanfront homes, which sometimes fall into the sea as a result. Homes on hillsides have views for miles but are vulnerable to landslides. Residences bordering wild-land areas sometimes go up in flames when the weather turns dry and the Santa Anas blow. And the region is earthquake-prone.

By Cary Lowe

February 24, 2008