As the Soberanes Fire rages on, it’s time to think about what’s ahead.

This community is no stranger to fire, or firefighting on notoriously steep terrain that demands heavy equipment and tons of personnel. It is our fourth major forest fire in eight years.

The costs are huge, both to individuals and the community at large. Upwards of $100 million could be spent to save property and life – some days exceeding $6 million per day.

On Aug. 5 there were 5,636 personnel, 426 fire engines, 18 helicopters, six air tankers and 61 bulldozers assigned to the Soberanes Fire. That’s a force bigger than our entire county government staff.

In a rugged place like Palo Colorado in Big Sur, a narrow canyon fed by a windy, mostly-one lane road from Highway 1 to Bottchers Gap 13 miles inland, there’s a type of spirited individual that thrives in the beauty and remote terrain.

Palo Colorado residents knew it was not if the area would burn, but when. There are old redwoods in the canyon with 40-foot-high tattoos from previous run-ins with wildfire, most recently the Devil Fire in 1954.

Despite that knowledge, this is an emotionally and physically traumatic event.

Some displaced homeowners lived in legal structures, permitted by the County Planning Department, taxed by the County Assessor, and paid annual Cal Fire fees, and insurance.

It’s not yet public information how many of the 68 structures that burned were non-permitted dwellings – houses, cabins, even yurts the county didn’t know about. Some people lost their short-term rentals – also illegal – meaning a significant blow to their income.

This fire also ignited an immediate and impressive community response to support those affected.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County’s new Soberanes Fire Fund has already raised nearly $400,000 from private donations, including $110,000 generated at an Aug. 7 event at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, organized by restaurateur Tony Tollner. The Henry Miller Library is organizing a concert Aug. 12 at the Golden State Theatre featuring Sharon Van Etten, Beach Boys legend Al Jardine and Johnny Rivers, with proceeds going to the Coast Property Owners Association to provide assistance to the Big Sur community affected by the fire.

Fire insurance companies are winners in this.

As with the Tassajara Fire last year, these private funds can support both the community and individuals. The CPOA and CFMC will have to decide how to spend the money they raise. How much should go to community-wide projects versus individuals? Should money go to individuals who chose to build and live in unapproved structures, some without insurance?

Big Sur is in need of a more reliable and permanent emergency broadcast network (it could even tie into KAZU using repeaters, airing noncommercial radio during non-emergency times).

Improved cell service would better connect the local community, as would improved high-speed internet.

There’s an urgent need for transitional housing, plus long-term housing for workers.

The volunteer nonprofit fire brigades in Big Sur and Cachagua are small and efficient, and need support.

Funds could pay for an insurance advocate, who could offer seminars and help negotiate with insurance adjusters.

The Soberanes Fire won’t be our last. Coupled with climate change, long-term drought and disease, firefighting will only get more complex – and expensive.

Meanwhile, more homes are being built closer to the forest, by people seeking views, quiet and privacy. That’s a personal choice, but those choices have public consequences when the public’s resources are demanded at times like these.

While 5,000-plus personnel were working to contain the Soberanes Fire last weekend, in Seaside, where the Weekly is based, the police department had fewer than 10 officers on the streets – for a city of 30,000.

That is out of whack.

It’s time to reassess how public resources are best spent saving private property near wildlands. Fire insurance companies that hold policies on homes that were saved – by firefighters who are paid by the public – come out ahead in this equation. It’s time to mandate those companies help pay, too.

BRADLEY ZEVE is founder and CEO of the Weekly.