Measuring the efficacy of a wildfire education program in Colorado Springs

Abstract

Drought conditions in much of the West, increased residential development, and elevated fuels from a century of wildfire suppression have increased wildfire risk in the United States. In light of this increased risk, an innovative wildfire risk education program in Colorado Springs was examined, which rated the wildfire risk of 35,000 homes in the city's wildland-urban interface. Evidence from home sales before and after the program's implementation suggests that the program was successful at changing homebuyer's attitudes toward wildfire risk, particularly preferences for flammable building materials.

Citation

Donovan, Geoffrey H.; Champ, Patricia A.; Butry, David T. 2007. Measuring the efficacy of a wildfire education program in Colorado Springs. Journal of Emergency Management. 5(3): 33-37.