The Big Question: Can the U.S. Restrain Worsening Wildfires?
A Q&A with former National Fire Chief Tom Harbour on the need for fire resilience and greater support for those battling the flames.
California burning.
Photographer: Ringo Chiu/AFP via Getty Images
This is one of a series of interviews by Bloomberg Opinion columnists on how to solve pressing policy challenges. This conversation has been edited and condensed.
Romesh Ratnesar: The American West is suffering through a devastating fire season. Wild fires have burned at least 6.7 million acres, displaced tens of thousands and claimed the lives of more than 30 people. As a 46-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service and former National Fire Chief, you’ve spent your career trying to address the growing threat of wildfires. Why has this fire season been so severe? And do you expect it’s going to get worse?