…A 2009 report from the Government Accountability Office said because the federal government shoulders the cost of much wildfire fighting, state and local governments have little incentive to put in place policies, like stricter building and zoning rules, that would help cut the costs of battling the flames.
“We need more responsibility at the local level,” said Ray Rasker. “Right now the firefighting costs are borne by the federal taxpayer. That’s the crux of the problem here. Until it affects somebody’s budget, we’re not going to see much change.”…