Lower North Fork Fire & Prescribed Fire Review

I can't remember if these were posted here earlier, but they are wonderful first-hand accounts of dealing with the aftermath. I'm very glad that they've shared their experiences and thoughts with the world.
http://northforkashes.blogspot.com/
http://kristenmoeller.blogspot.com/2012 ... clean.html
Edit to add: akilina beat me to the punch on the 1st!

I've spoken with a few residents who live/lived on Khuester Rd as well, first at the Recognition Potluck Dinner at the Park, and now after this meeting, and just wanted to add my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

What I see is a huge disconnect between what the authorities are saying and what the residents want/need to hear. Yes, fire mitigation is very important, but it was done above and beyond by some of these residents and it didn't matter anyway - and they understand that it won't save them every time. Had this been a naturally-caused fire, much of this discussion wouldn't even be occurring. When the first press releases and reports seem to emphasize the natural events (high wind, heat, dryness, etc) that caused this fire to get out of control, rather than focusing on the human error that ultimately created it and allowed the natural causes the opportunity to make this so much worse, I wonder at those in charge and/or who dealt with it that they are so out of touch with their community. What I see is a community that is very self-motivated, trying to be responsible for the most part, has pulled together and done amazing things supporting one another and the responders during the event, and take care of what they should and help their neighbors; but, are moving further into disbelief and disgust that those in charge aren't holding themselves accountable and feel like they can't trust those who are here to help us. I think this course of divergence must be reversed or nothing will change - those in charge have a unique opportunity to truly engage the community, and the community has a unique opportunity to make their voices heard.

I keep hearing the message that we aren't learning any lessons, even though we deal with the same risks every year. What can be done to change this from talk to action? Ideas?