How do the fires affect the social landscape of Pomeroy?

How do the fires affect the social landscape of Pomeroy? How do they change the relationships between neighbors?

They emphasize the differences between the summer people and the year-round inhabitants, particularly because the summer people have the problem and the year-round infrastructure (firefighters, police) have to provide the solutions.

Reminds me of the difference between year-round residents of Florida, and the part-timers (snowbirds).
There's an air of entitlement that comes with being a part-time resident. Full-timers are looked upon as caretakers, marking time until the crowds return.

I agree with the previous comments. the fires light up the truth of a place that is often needs but dosen't want those part-time residents.

The fires ignite the differences in the two groups raising distrust and discontent where it was previously unacknowledged.

I agree with the insights of others, above. The fires further unsettle the delicate balance of relationships between the permanent residents and the summer folks. The fires seem to illuminate the resentment the townspeople have for the part-timers and also the basic distrust and disregard the summer people have for the permanent residents.

The fires not only highlight the differences between the summer residents and the permanent residents, but also serve as a connecting force between the two. They have to come together to deal with a problem that affects them all (town meetings, fundraiser for the fire department, etc.)

All the people have the common problem of the fires. They are joined in trying to find a way to deal with this. Yet, distrust brews, resentments flair and suspicions abound on all sides.