Planning with Fire: Exploring the Barriers & Opportunities Surrounding Wildfire Fuel Reduction at the Wildland Urban Interface

Abstract

With unprecedented climate change and rapidly shifting wildfire regimes heightening wildfire risk across the Pacific Northwest, our research explores fuel reduction as a holistic wildfire mitigation strategy. Using the Methow Valley in Washington State as a case study, we examine the barriers and opportunities surrounding fuel reduction practices at the wildland urban interface (WUI). Development has expanded into the WUI across the country and rural communities are increasingly vulnerable to serious wildfire impacts. Through qualitative stakeholder interviews, case studies, and spatial analysis, we highlight the need for change, emphasize key linkages to perceived barriers, and offer multi-scale recommendations for strengthening fuel reduction programming at the WUI. By revealing the barriers and opportunities associated with wildfire fuel reduction, we hope that this document can be used to formulate site specific best practices in holistic wildfire mitigation.