Experts have said that today, we can build anywhere we want if we're willing to shell out the money to do it. The thing is we build where we shouldn't, and balk at the cost when we do. So it's no surprise that houses exist in high-ignition areas that are ill-constructed for the location. Are these houses doomed?

If you live in a wildfire-prone area, there ARE things you can do to keep your McMansion from turning into a tinderbox during the fire season. Firewise Communities, a consortium of government and non-government agencies whose goal is "to reduce loss of lives, property, and resources to wildland fire by building and maintaining communities in a way that is compatible with our natural surroundings," maintains a web site  that features plenty of tips and how-tos for the homeowner  who wishes to keep his or her home fire-safe (no, we're not using the term fireproof).

The web site covers many topics that one wouldn't normally associate with fire prevention, such as landscaping . (Brush fire preparedness isn't just about fire extinguishers, you know?) It also offers an interactive tool  for evaluating your home's exposure to wildfire risks.

Brush fires weren't really a bad thing  until we trespassed into Mother Nature's stomping grounds. But since this is already said and done, it's best for us to learn how to live with her without incurring her wrath.