You have the problem of the mosaic of private and federal land: even if the Forest Service pursues an effective policy, it wouldn't amount to much if private land owners didn't- or vice versa. I wold be reluctant to make someone thin their woods, as it is their property- but still, you might argue that by refusing to deal with a problem they are adversly affect their neighbor's property. It is a rather difficult question, without an easy answer. The Forest Service land obviously should have a good fire ecology plan, but one is left to the problem of private land- keeping property safe but preserving property rights at the same time. What do you think should be done?
No one is forced to clear the immediate area around their house, and there no penalty if one does not do so. In fact, there are Federal grants that will reimburse you for certain expenses for doing this (though many could easily argue that our tax money should not be used in this manner).
Even if your neighbors do not clear their land, you can usually protect your own residence if you do not build directly under the trees, clear brushy material and grass, and use common sense on building materials -- for example a woodframe house with a cedar shake shingle roof is an invitation for a fire. Today's aerial pictures show houses, even mobile homes, that were still standing as a result of small cleared areas around them.