I would like to express my feelings about the fires we had just less than a month ago. I feel like California and, for that matter, Simi Valley are not prepared for the fires that could come again.

We need to take certain precautions, like making sure the hills here in Simi aren't overly dried out. Having overly dry areas is the main reason most of the fires are spreading so easily and in a fast manner.

I think that we should have small controlled fires that can get rid of the unneeded rubbish and make room for the green to come, so when we do have a fire it won't spread too quickly. I also think that we should have a fund set aside for fire damage to homes, buildings and schools.

If we set aside money we wouldn't need to borrow money from the government, and it would show that we are taking responsibility for what can happen and not have to rely on others to clean up the mess. Hopefully we can get the fires under control and one day try to eliminate them. Nicole Evans Simi Valley