Regional fire officials are working on a means of providing better protection for the county from wildfires.

They've plenty to study: Ideas and concepts from the county Board of Supervisors, a county grand jury report, a state commission report specific to our area, and another so-called "blue ribbon" statewide report.

Many of those concepts call for one big, regional fire agency for the back country, providing 24/7 fire protection. Virtually all call for better prevention efforts to varying degrees.

We're cool to the first idea, tepid to the second.

We do not support creating another superagency, a concept that calls for spending tens of millions more than the $12.77 million per year various agencies now spend. Plus, we question the need for constant protection in a region that has a clearly defined wildfire season.

We prefer the ideas we're hearing about retaining the relative autonomy of existing agencies under a collective umbrella but without a collective bureaucracy; a joint powers authority, for example.

We also prefer the idea we are hearing about retaining volunteer fire departments provided they continue existing efforts, including an ongoing review, to enhance cooperation and training.

As for the better fire-prevention ideas, we support doing what is reasonably possible to inform those living in wildlands on how best to maintain their properties and how best to remodel them, if they choose to do so, to lessen fire dangers.

We do not support drawing lines on a map and saying to those on the wrong side, "move out or stay at your own risk." Nor do we support a new set of excessive rules, regulations and/or mandates on current and future property owners.

The ongoing review we first cited is due to be presented June 25 to county officials.

We hope that document will be mindful of one basic concerning problem-solving: Less is often best.

Additional reading:

REGION: Fire, county officials discuss merger plan

REGION: Grand jury: County 'woefully unprepared' for firestorms

Supervisors form panel to improve fire response

Blue Ribbon Task Force calls for more firefighters, equipment

Previous editorials:

EDITORIAL: Ready, aim, don't consolidate fire

EDITORIAL: Fighting fire with fire