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Stakeholder perceptions of wildfire mitigation efforts in California and Oregon

September 24, 2024

Understanding wildfire mitigation strategies in the U.S.

As reported by the US Fire Administraion, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has published a report detailing stakeholder perceptions regarding wildfire mitigation for homes.

The report, titled “Stakeholder Perceptions of Wildfire Mitigations for Homes: Multi-Audience Survey Research,” reflects the results from surveys conducted among various groups, including government officials, local fire departments, and residents in California and Oregon.

Currently, approximately 45 million homes in the United States are considered at risk for wildfires.

The expanding built environment in areas prone to wildfires presents significant challenges to community safety.

Wildfires, particularly those in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), are expected to intensify, leading to increased property damage, infrastructure harm, social disruption, evacuations, and potential injuries or fatalities among evacuees and first responders.

Regulations in California and Oregon

California and Oregon were chosen for this study due to their unique approach to wildfire mitigation.

Unlike many other states where mitigation efforts are voluntary, both states have implemented regulations that mandate action from property owners in designated wildfire risk areas.

These regulations include the removal or modification of vegetation and combustible materials from private properties, as well as upgrades to home exteriors to improve ignition resistance.

This regulatory framework aims to enhance safety measures and minimize wildfire risks for homes in vulnerable areas.

The NFPA’s focus on these two states provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and perception of these mandatory measures.

Survey findings on wildfire mitigation challenges

The NFPA’s surveys of fire departments revealed several key challenges in achieving wildfire mitigation goals.

A primary concern expressed by respondents was the lack of funding and resources, which was identified as the biggest obstacle to effective wildfire management.

Furthermore, many fire departments noted that insufficient dedicated staff for outreach and education on wildfire risks is a direct result of these funding shortages.

While most surveyed firefighters believe that wildfire protection should be a collaborative effort between property owners and firefighters, the challenges in resourcing continue to impede progress.

Improving communication and outreach strategies

The insights gathered from the NFPA’s survey provide a foundation for enhancing messaging surrounding wildfire mitigation actions.

By addressing the identified obstacles and emphasizing the shared responsibility in wildfire protection, stakeholders can work towards more effective strategies.

Moreover, the presence of dedicated divisions within many fire departments focused on wildfire issues indicates a growing recognition of the importance of this topic.

More than half of the surveyed departments have assigned personnel specifically for wildfire mitigation and hazard assessments, highlighting a commitment to improving community safety.

Stakeholder perceptions of wildfire mitigation efforts in California and Oregon: Summary

The NFPA’s report examines the perceptions of stakeholders regarding wildfire mitigation in California and Oregon.

The study emphasizes the need for regulatory measures that require property owners to engage in wildfire mitigation practices.

Key findings highlight challenges such as funding shortages and the need for dedicated outreach efforts.

By improving communication and recognizing shared responsibilities, stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness of wildfire mitigation

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