A REPORT recently stated that the toxins from the Los Angeles (LA) wildfires were still being cleaned up even though a month has passed. With summer approaching, we must remind ourselves that it has taken the United States this long to bring things under control.

Just last year, a ‘sunlight fire’ had devastated the Margalla Hills, which is similar to LA in the sense that there happens to be urban centres located at the foothills. With conditions, like strong winds, a similar situation may well occur at our end. The key takeaway from LA wildfires is that prevention is better than cure.

The local government is well aware that these types of fires are likely to occur almost every year. Therefore, a dedicated unit should be stationed in the hills to respond immediately at the first sign of a fire or ember ignition during the summer. This proactive measure could prevent tragedies that are avoidable.

Affan Khattak
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2025