"Why can't they cut a 1/2 mile swath around people (homes, businesses, etc.), if this is all about saving property and lives?"

well, that will jus say to the developers...come and get it..all them 1/2 mile swaths would be turned into homes in a few years after the fire danger/worries are gone.. then the same thing would happen, and arklier is right..highway 18 is gettin sawed up left and right..would be nice if they left a some tree's standing next to the road....but however, i do see a good hunting oppurtunity in a year or so, if them clear cuts are big enough..?