Commentary: Western Wildfires: How did we get into this mess and how can we get out of it?

The issue of Western wildfires has become politicized in ways that make the problem of addressing it much more difficult. The arguments are familiar. One side argues the main culprit is climate change, which has led to extended drought, higher temperatures, drier conditions, and more intense storm and wind events that drive these fires. The other side attributes these catastrophic fires to poor forest management  and cites the need to more actively manage Western forests to reduce wildfire risk.  Douglas MacCleery, retired Assistant Director of Forest Management for the U.S. Forest Service in Washington, D.C. , provides his reflections  on western wildfires and potential solutions in this Commentary.