Most posts on this blog refer to stories in traditional press outlets, but here's one that might be considered "new media." Gus Joyce of Rancho Bernardo produced a nearly 10-minute video (which he posted on YouTube) about conflicts he found in recommendations to protect homes from fire and California building code.
In a folksy, non-combative tone, Joyce says he learned that California codes require home vent screening no smaller than a quarter-inch, but at the same time fire experts say quarter-inch mesh does not offer adequate protection from flying embers during wildfire.
One of the documents he found on the Internet, and described in his video, was written by UCCE wood durability advisor Steven Quarles. Quarles has also noted the conflict in mesh-size recommendations in press releases, on his Web site and in presentations.
He suggests homeowners in fire-prone areas make plywood covers for their vents that can be installed quickly when a blaze approaches.