Not to defend some of CA's stupid policies, but there's clearing out too much brush makes mudslides worse. They need to find a balance but that doesn't happen.
Arson is responsible for almost half the fires.
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/understanding-an-arsonists-motives-may-help-stop-future-fires/news-story/0eebd6a2ea1a726126df38ca2ce8fb56