A case for retreat in the age of fire

A case for retreat in the age of fire

After the 2018 wildfire in Paradise, Calif., many fire-damaged homes were razed. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Wildfires in the American West are getting larger, more frequent and more severe. Although efforts are underway to create fire-adapted communities, it's important to realize that we cannot simply design our way out of wildfire - some communities will need to begin planning a retreat.

Paradise, California, is an example. For decades, this ...