@Al Amoling My husband used to say California was nuts for not cleaning out their brush or editing out dead trees. This is why they have so many problems with fire. Other states get wildfires as well, but usually they are also in areas under government control who refuse to do the maintenance needed since people populate the surrounding areas.
Yes I don't know the background for why they don't have controlled burns. We just had one in town about 2 weeks ago. It eliminates a lot of danger.
I grew up in south GA among the pine forests. I remember my dad and grandpa "burning the woods" many times, and all the neighboring farmers did so, too. I can't imagine why CA doesn't allow it.