Not too late for many to prepare. 
Extinguishing smoldering wood, caused by embers, with a bucket of water shows putting them out early can be easy. This mess got out of control too fast and he too much natural fuel available. 
In locations with fire seasons, if home owners were prepared for fire season every year, this would not have happened. Not to mention homeowners cutting back trees and utility companies maintaining lines. Here’s my $1,100 fire season preparation kit. And have fuel on hand.