Big Fires Start Small: The Case for a Paradigm Shift in California's Response to Today's Wildfire Crisis - Softcover

Pandola, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798822902749

Publisher: Palmetto Publishing, 2022

Synopsis

"We are not helpless in solving the wildfire crisis in California."

These words of author Thomas Pandola form the passion and the premise of this, his first solo book, Big Fires Start Small. Following his service of twenty-five years with the LAFD, Pandola witnessed the annual loss of lives and property and experienced the side effects from the smoke caused by California's wildfire crisis, knowing all along that there is a better way to fight back against wildfires. In these pages, Pandola shares his wisdom and insight.

Beginning with a brief historical perspective, his personal experience with wildfires, supported by quotes from experts and elected officials, he looks at the current wildfire paradigm, and lessons from other wildfire disasters, Pandola shares a scientific explanation of wildfires and the dangers of smoke caused by them. He goes on to explain the complications of fighting wildfires in California and why a paradigm shift is necessary. This sets the stage to offer his specific recommendations for a new wildfire paradigm.

The current business as usual in wild land management and firefighting in California is not sustainable. Solutions are available with the collective will to create a new wildfire paradigm. Big Fires Start Small is a must-read for elected officials and emergency management professionals in California, those living in a wild land area, and those living in the state of California who are exposed to extremely unhealthy air quality every year due to wildfires.

About this title

About the Author

Thomas Pandola holds a BS in fire protection administration and technology. He served with the Los Angeles City Fire Department for 25 years, where he held leadership positions of captain, battalion chief, and commander of air operations. Pandola was also a regional director for CALSTAR, a nonprofit air ambulance company, where he gained insight into the workings of the current wildfire paradigm outside of Los Angeles. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Pandola currently resides in Northern California with his wife. His grown children and grandchildren motivate him to try to leave the world a better place to live.

Edition details

• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798822902749
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 106