Citation

McGee TK. J. Environ. Manage. 2011; 92(10): 2524-2532.

Affiliation

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, 1-26 Earth Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E3.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.05.017

PMID

21684061

Abstract

This study examined neighborhood level wildfire mitigation programs being implemented in neighborhoods in Canada (FireSmart-ForestWise), Australia (Community Fireguard) and the US (Firewise Communities). Semi-structured interviews were completed with 19 residents participating in the programs. A wide range of activities were completed as part of the three programs. Despite differences between the three programs, participants appeared to participate in the programs for three main reasons: Fire experience, agency involvement, and personal and family protection. A fire therefore provides a window of opportunity to engage residents in neighborhood level wildfire mitigation programs. The neighborhood level wildfire mitigation programs helped to reduce the wildfire risk, but also enhanced both community resilience and relationships between residents and government agencies.

Language: en