Big Fires Start Small: The Case for a Paradigm Shift in California's Response to Today's Wildfire Crisis

"We are not helpless in solving the wildfire crisis in California." These words of author Thomas Pandola form the passion and the premise of this, his first solo book, Big Fires Start Small. Following his service of twenty-five years with the LAFD, Pandola witnessed the annual loss of lives and property and experienced the side effects from the smoke caused by California's wildfire crisis, knowing all along that there is a better way to fight back against wildfires. In these pages, Pandola shares his wisdom and insight. Beginning with a brief historical perspective, his personal experience with wildfires, supported by quotes from experts and elected officials, he looks at the current wildfire paradigm, and lessons from other wildfire disasters, Pandola shares a scientific explanation of wildfires and the dangers of smoke caused by them. He goes on to explain the complications of fighting wildfires in California and why a paradigm shift is necessary. This sets the stage to offer his specific recommendations for a new wildfire paradigm. The current business as usual in wild land management and firefighting in California is not sustainable. Solutions are available with the collective will to create a new wildfire paradigm. Big Fires Start Small is a must-read for elected officials and emergency management professionals in California, those living in a wild land area, and those living in the state of California who are exposed to extremely unhealthy air quality every year due to wildfires.