Prevention not a priority

How should conflict be resolved when public safety is at issue? Do safety concerns take precedence and add urgency? An elderly friend lives across the street in a large subdivision facing a 3-acre, dense stand of about 2,000 pine trees; a serious fire threat. The self-interest of all parties – the landowner, the homeowners, everyone’s insurance companies – is to reduce the fire danger.

But nothing is done. Why not? If the trees catch fire and destroy houses, the landowner will declare bankruptcy as his liability will not cover the damage. The insurance companies will pay out large amounts and litigate. Homeowners will lose their homes.

Nothing is done because there is no ordinance that sets a fire threat standard and a penalty for noncompliance. With no enforcement power, Fire District 8 can only put out fires. After the Hangman fire and recent Wenatchee fires, it’s clear we still don’t take prevention seriously.

Kent Nedderman

Spokane