Era of Megafires

Filmmaker Jeff Ostenson’s documentary is essentially an illustrated lecture by Dr. Paul Hessburg, a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station, who addresses why huge destructive fires are occurring in increasing numbers both in the United States and elsewhere. Hessburg cites climate change as a significant factor, but concentrates on other causes that could be immediately addressed. Taking as an example the 2015 Sleepy Hollow Fire in Wenatchee, WA—which burned nearly 3,000 acres and destroyed 29 homes (and other buildings) before being extinguished by a timely rainstorm—Hessburg identifies as a major problem the increase in tree density from the 19th century, which now allows fires to spread quickly over far larger areas. He also emphasizes the growing tendency to build structures in remote areas too close to dense foliage, placing them in imminent danger and forcing responders to concentrate their efforts on trying to save lives instead of fighting the fire. His solution involves several components: prescribed burning and mechanical thinning to reduce forest density, educating home and business owners on how to reduce risks that a fire would pose to their properties, and maintaining a robust fire-fighting force for deployment when fires do break out. Complementing Hessburg’s learned presentation with helpful graphs, video inserts, and news footage, Era of Megafires offers thoughtful, practical suggestions about a new reality that (as the recent situation in California shows) is becoming a national emergency. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)