Inflating the Numbers: What’s Being Counted in California Fire Damage Assessments

Inflating the Numbers: What’s Being Counted in California Fire Damage Assessments

California wildfires have long been a tragic and destructive force, leaving behind charred landscapes and devastated communities. However, recent reports on the number of structures destroyed in these fires have raised questions about what exactly is being counted. The answer may surprise you: it's not just homes, businesses, schools, and churches. By broadening the definition of "structure," officials are including a wide array of buildings and items, potentially inflating the numbers and the perceived scale of the destruction.

Beyond Homes and Businesses: The Expansive Definition of "Structures"

Traditionally, when we think of wildfire destruction, we imagine homes and businesses reduced to ashes. But the term "structure" encompasses far more than that. Here’s a look at what is often included in these tallies:

1.     Sheds: Simple storage sheds, whether used for garden tools or miscellaneous household items, are frequently counted as structures. Their destruction, while unfortunate, does not carry the same weight as the loss of a home.

2.     Detached Garages: If a fire consumes a detached garage—even if the main house remains intact—it’s included in the structure count.

3.     Barns and Agricultural Buildings: Barns, chicken coops, and other agricultural outbuildings are added to the total, even if they are used solely for livestock or equipment storage.

4.     Outbuildings: These include workshops, greenhouses, and other secondary buildings on a property. These structures may not be essential to daily living but are still included in the statistics.

5.     Mobile Homes: Even if not permanently inhabited, mobile homes parked on properties are counted as structures if they are damaged or destroyed.

6.     Playhouses and Gazebos: In some cases, large, freestanding playhouses or decorative gazebos are considered structures.

7.     Utility Buildings: Pump houses, well houses, and other small utility buildings are part of the tally, despite their limited use.

8.     Storage Units: Portable or fixed storage containers located on properties are often included in the structure count.

The Impact of Counting Everything

Including such a wide variety of items as "structures" significantly boosts the reported numbers. For example, a rural property with a house, a barn, a shed, a detached garage, and a greenhouse could contribute five structures to the total, even if only one family is affected. This counting method paints a more alarming picture of the damage, which can be misleading when trying to understand the human impact of the fires.

Vehicles: A Controversial Inclusion

While vehicles are generally not considered structures, there have been instances where they have been mistakenly included in damage assessments. Infrared imaging, used to estimate fire damage quickly, sometimes misidentifies vehicles as buildings. Although ground teams work to refine these numbers, the initial reports may be inflated by such errors.

What’s Being Left Out

While the definition of "structure" is expansive, it’s important to note that certain items are excluded. Fences, decks, and open shelters like picnic tables are typically not counted. However, their destruction can still contribute to the overall sense of loss for property owners.

Why It Matters

The way damage is reported has significant implications. Higher structure counts can:

1.     Draw More Attention and Funding: Larger numbers can lead to increased media coverage and potentially more disaster relief funding.

2.     Exaggerate Perceived Impact: While the destruction of any structure is tragic, equating the loss of a shed to that of a home can skew public perception.

3.     Undermine Trust: When the public learns that the numbers include items like playhouses or utility sheds, it may erode trust in the reporting agencies.

Transparency Is Key

It is crucial for officials to clarify what is being included in structure counts. By providing a breakdown of the types of structures destroyed, they can ensure accurate reporting and maintain public trust. California’s wildfires are devastating enough without the need for inflated numbers to emphasize their impact.

Conclusion

As we grapple with the ongoing devastation caused by wildfires, understanding what’s being counted in damage assessments is essential. By including a wide range of items under the umbrella of "structures," officials may be unintentionally misleading the public. Transparency and clarity in reporting can help ensure that the true scale of the destruction—and its impact on communities—is accurately conveyed.