Implementation of National Fire Plan treatments near the wildland–urban interface in the western United States

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0900991106
• Publication Date: 2009-06-09T02:19:03Z
• Authors: Tania Schoennagel; Cara R. Nelson; David M. Theobald; Gunnar C. Carnwath; Teresa B. Chapman
• Keywords: Wildland–urban interface; Wildfire suppression

Because of increasing concern about the effects catastrophic wildland fires throughout western United States, federal land managers have been engaged in efforts to restore historical fire behavior and mitigate wildfire risk. During last 5 years (2004–2008), 44,000 fuels treatments were implemented across States under National Fire Plan (NFP). We assessed extent which these conducted near wildland–urban interface (WUI), where they would greatest potential reduce risk neighboring homes communities. Although policies stipulate that significant resources should be invested WUI, we found only 3% area treated was within another 8% an additional 2.5-km buffer around totaling 11%. Only 17% this buffered WUI is ownership, significantly limits ability agencies implement fire-risk reduction far from may some mitigation benefits, our findings suggest greater priority must given locating rather than more remote settings, satisfy NFP goals reducing However, require shifting management policy emphasis public private lands.