In a study by Headwaters Economics, it was found western communities are doing relatively little to meaningfully respond to wildfire risk. Understanding challenges in high-risk communities is critical for figuring out how policies and proactive measures can reduce risks.
Lessons highlighted include:
- Lack of local resources is a significant obstacle
- Lack of local political will may be as significant as lack of resources
- A high level of cooperation among government bodies is important
- Education is essential to overcome denial and complacency
- How wildfire risk is presented is critical to gaining support
- It is impossible to be continually “Firewise” or fire safe
- WUI development restricts forest management options
- Fuel treatments are critical, but implementing them in the WUI is not enough