It isn't just the SA that can shake us up http://articles.latimes.com/2001/may/11/local/me-62277 gives a pretty good summary of a fault very close to me that can make life difficult one of these days....In any event, tectonics happen, and we can be sure we will see major events in the future. Get ready.

I think you are absolutely right about the substantial problem that fires will present, but I am more optimistic about human behavior. We have experienced major earthquakes - Nepal, Chile, Anchorage- all in the 8-9 range, and while I am sure there were some problems, large scale violence doesn't seem to have been present. Enlighten me if I am wrong.