Living In Wildfire-Prone Areas – Report Focuses on Mitigating Wildfire Damage

More people are choosing to live in fire-prone wildlands than ever before. What precautions are necessary for residents to successfully coexist with nature in such a hazardous context? The American Planning Association’s new report, Planning for Wildfires (PAS 529/530), written by James C. Schwab, AICP, and Stuart Meck, FAICP, examines the feasibility of permitting development in fire-prone areas and how best to design such developments to reduce the risk of damage and loss.

"Wildfire mitigation is extremely important because wildfires are very much a people-triggered hazard, in ways that do not apply to hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes," said Schwab, APA senior research associate. "Wildfires also can trigger other serious disasters such as landslides, when rains sweep soil down hills denuded of vegetation."

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity as more people move into areas where developments meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildlands. The buildup of fuels, the previous wildfire strategy of total suppression, historic settlement patterns, and population growth, all contribute to increasing the potential and risk for wildfires. Almost any state can be the scene of a wildfire with the right fuels, the right weather, and a source of ignition.

To help mitigate wildfire damage, Schwab and Meck stress the need for a combined effort from local, state, and federal governments, fire agencies, and residents. "There is no one single approach to dealing with wildfires. Everyone shares in the responsibility to mitigate wildfire damage," said Meck, APA senior research fellow. "This includes implementing development design standards to help mitigate fire damage, and engaging and educating residents on their role in preventing wildfire damage."

Full Story: http://www.planning.org/research/wildfires.htm