A wildfire destroyed 90% of a town in California. Now, it’s using building ordinances to entice insurance companies back. Could Washington soon follow the strategy?
PARADISE, Calif. — In 2018, an entire town was punished by fire.
The Camp Fire in Paradise, California, is the deadliest wildfire in the states history. It devastated the small town of Paradise, killing 85 people and wiping out nearly every home.
“Everybody’s houses burned up on both sides and behind and in front of us,” said Cindy Lassonde who is a volunteer with the Paradise Police Department.
On Nov. 8, 2018, as flames closed in, she was stuck behind a line of cars and surrounded by a wall of fire. Lassonde had to evacuate.
“You’re just panicked. You just keep going. You have to be strong to keep going,” said Lassonde. “I was praying the entire time. I prayed God, please don’t let a tree or a …