How stupid can folks really be????

My grandad was the co-owner of the Hertrich and Moylan mercantile store in Sprague, Wa., not far from you guys. That town was, at the time, the biggest rail hub in eastern Washington.
The town was leveled by a fire that started at a blacksmith's shop, it was driven by the wicked winds blowing from the badlands. That event forever changed the landscape of commerce in that area. Because of the fire, and it's consequences, the location of the county seat damn near caused a war between the towns of Sprague and Davenport, and the biggest player at the time; Northern Pacific Railroad, pulled up stops and made they're new base in Spokane.

Are the people up there so stupid that they don't understand the fire risks? Does nobody pay attention to history anymore? Seems like half of eastern Wa. is on fire,... again! WTF??

http://www3.gendisasters.com/washington/11547/sprague-wa-fire-aug-1895