The massive fire that began in Pacific Palisades on January 7 has kept the city on edge ever since, with multiple other outbreaks flaring up around L.A. in the following days. While many have been contained or extinguished, the devastation left in the fire’s wake is astonishing, with homes reduced to ashes. In light of this reality, one question remains: why is wood the primary choice for construction in an area so prone to wildfires? The U.S. is rich in forests making wood a readily available material. [Wood is] more affordable, with lower prices than other materials like steel or concrete. …The tradition of building with wood in the United States dates back to the arrival of European settlers… Wood allows for faster construction, making it an attractive choice for building homes. …However, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires may serve as a wake-up call, prompting a shift to fireproof materials like concrete.