Building codes and land use planning play a crucial role in minimizing damage and loss of life from natural disasters like earthquakes in California, according to Jay Lund, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Davis. Lund emphasized the effectiveness of these measures in earthquake-prone areas.
However, when it comes to wildfires, the situation is different. Lund pointed out that fire codes for many buildings in Southern California are outdated, with some last updated around 2007, the most recent being in 2010. This poses a significant challenge in ensuring adequate protection against wildfires.
