Palisades Fire Threatens UCLA Neighborhoods, Resident Proposes Rezoning
The Palisades fire, now three days old, has raised concerns for Michael Webb's hilltop apartment near UCLA. Webb, a long-time resident, has received an evacuation alert for the blaze that has so far spared his location but threatens nearby neighbourhoods. The fire, which began uncontrolled, has not moved closer to Webb's home for several days.
Webb, who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years, is no stranger to wildfires and earthquakes. Despite feeling grateful for his safety, he expressed sadness for those affected by the fires and the loss of classic modern buildings. He proposed that Los Angeles should consider rezoning to allow for a denser urban mix of apartments and mixed-use blocks to accommodate growth and reduce fire risk.
Webb also suggested that authorities could rewild areas made too risky to live in due to climate change and recurring droughts. He decided to rely on official online bulletins instead of news coverage, finding the constant updates stressful. Two weeks later, the fires were still smouldering, and fresh outbreaks were expected with the return of winds.
Michael Webb's hilltop apartment near UCLA remains safe from the Palisades fire, which has been burning uncontrolled for three days. Webb, who has lived in the area for nearly 50 years, has received an evacuation alert but has not yet been forced to leave. He has proposed solutions to mitigate fire risk and adapt to climate change, including rezoning and rewilding certain areas.
