Disastrous Oakland Fire

It’s hard to pity the rich, including the victims of the great Oakland fire. These people chose to live in a forested area where the danger of fire during a severe drought is obvious. Why didn’t they vote to pay more taxes for more fire protection? Did they think that the cuts in Fire Department personnel and equipment were just a problem for the state budget crisis? The houses were insured, but for the people who lost luxuries like art or rare books, these are prudent questions that should have been considered long ago. They should think about them now instead of blaming the firefighters who risked their lives to fight the Oakland blaze.

MATTHEW OKADA

Pasadena