Wind-whipped fires add to Detroit's economic woes

[opsec]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100908/ap_on_bi_ge/us_detroit_fires_high_winds

There were about 85 fires at homes and garages over a four-hour period, said Dan Lijana, spokesman for Mayor Dave Bing.

"It was a freakish day - the wind was tremendous," said City Council President Charles Pugh.

Residents complained of a slow response by the city's emergency responders, but Pugh said the fire department did its best with the resources available.

Fire will be a major problem when society starts breaking down in ernest. If you think this was bad, wait until there is no fire department and no water pressure. There will be many great Chicago fires all over again. I would not want to be stuck living in a city.

[Atash Hagmahani]

I don't think suburban and rural areas will be much better. The suburbs might be the worst off due to how spread-out they are.

In a rural area you could have water ready, along with fire-breaks.

Fire is not a major problem here, thanks to the humidity, cool temperatures, abundant surface water, and rainfall. The cities of the southwest, especially L.A., could be bad.

[opsec]

I'm not just talking about accidental fires here. The have-nots will try to burn out those that are known to have survival stockpiles if for no other reason than pure spite. This will still be a threat to you even if you are not the target. When this happens, even a mile away from you, the fire can spread to your location.

[Mike]

Opsec wrote:

The have-nots will try to burn out those that are known to have survival stockpiles if for no other reason than pure spite.

That is just plain nuts.  History has proven you right.  But it's still nuts.