By Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director

Our hearts are heavy as the losses from this year’s wildfires continue to mount. We mourn for those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. We feel for all those suffering from dangerously smoky air, including our own Sierra Club family, whose lives have been shaken by these fires. We are continuing to work to enhance community fire defense planning, especially for our most vulnerable communities.

“Our leaders must ensure that not only are communities prepared and protected, but that firefighters and first responders have the necessary personal protective equipment to guard from the threat of COVID-19.  We must do more to protect communities now and for the future –to ensure all communities have the resources to prepare for wildfire, and to act on climate before the crisis worsens.