Life on the Edge

After the 2003 fire, the Youngers had no such fables. Instead, when they rebuilt, they did everything they could to take control, including a garage that could double as a fire shelter--all steel, no windows. They also cleared brush with religious devotion and stocked their house with fire helmets, gas masks and heavy fireproof coats. But even that may not be enough if there is a next time. "If we were to lose out house again, we might have to pack it in," he says. Everyone has a limit.

© 2007