Who do you think? Some local mayor or city councilman? I get so sick of you Monday morning quarterbacks. I've lived all but 3 of my 68 years in California. I've even fought fires in the dry brush of CA in my youth. You have zero idea how devastating these infernos are, especially in 60 mph winds. Watch the movie, "Only The Brave" and you'll get some idea. The most elite CA fire crew were incinerated. STFU.
A Navy Vet answer, "Some local mayor or city councilman?"
That was my point. The job of how to fight the fire should be up to the firemen not the mayor. The rest of your post you seem to be in agreement with me.