North Bay Fires Update, Saving a Napa Valley Ranch, The Politics of Disasters, Climate Science and Policy

North Bay Fires Update

Thousands of firefighters have been battling a series of catastrophic blazes that began Sunday night in the North Bay. As of late Friday afternoon, the death toll had risen to 35.

Meanwhile, the community has rallied to support those who have lost their homes or been evacuated. KQED’s Monica Lam went to the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma to talk to evacuees and volunteers.

Saving a Napa Valley Ranch

When the deadly Tubbs Fire began roaring through Santa Rosa, huge sections of the Coffey Park neighborhood were incinerated. While many people fled, some stayed behind to fight the flames. KQED’s Sheraz Sadiq talks to one ranch owner about how he successfully protected his property.

The Politics of Disasters

As fires raced unchecked through California wine country this week, Vice President Mike Pence was in Sacramento raising money for the Republican Party. He stopped to assure Californians that the Trump administration stood ready with federal resources to help manage the disaster.

Guests:

• Carla Marinucci, Politico senior writer
• Sean T. Walsh, Wilson Walsh consultant

Climate Science and Policy

Hot, dry conditions and relentless winds have made the North Bay fires particularly hard to fight. As fire officials keep an eye on upcoming weather conditions, some have asked whether climate change is contributing to the ferocity of the blazes. UC Berkeley professor Daniel Kammen weighs in.