Tennessee Fires Spark Need for Climate Adaptation

Summer is an expected time to have wildland fires. In the past we have thought of California as the poster child for earthquakes and fires. In recent years we've seen that myth destroyed when it comes to wildland fires. Major portions of the West, millions of acres, have burned in the the last few years. Canada had its own big fire in Alberta this past year, early in what used to be a predictable fire season.

The Tennessee wildland fires that threatened major tourist destinations, killed at least seven people, and did destroy hundreds of homes is an example of the wildland threat extending way beyond the West and into all sectors of the United States.

The above is a classic example of the need for Climate Adaptation measures to be put in place in response to the changing climate. More rain (in some places), drought in others (Tennessee), increased frequency of flooding, sea rise, etc. are all instances that call for emergency managers to take new adaptation measures. 

If you are looking for training on the topic check out FEMA's AWR-347, Climate Adaptation Planning for Emergency Managers. We don't control many resources, but for example in Tennessee they should be looking at more wildland fire resources and beefing up any and all mutual aid agreements for fire conflagrations. It could have been much worse than it turned out to be. The timing of the fire after the Thanksgiving Holiday likely reduced the number of deaths.