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62%

Increase in new houses built in wildfire-prone areas in Southern California between 1990 and 2000. That's double the U.S. housing growth rate during that time. Last year, wildfires in the state killed almost 50 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures.

Increase in new houses built in wildfire-prone areas in Southern California between 1990 and 2000. That's double the U.S. housing growth rate during that time. Last year, wildfires in the state killed almost 50 people and destroyed more than 10,000 structures.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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