Download (PDF 471 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/44526.pdf
Abstract
Communities located in the wildland-urban interface undergo a process of transformation until they can guard against fires occurring in the area. This study analyzed this process for the Estación neighborhood in the city of Esquel, Chubut Province, Argentina. The analysis was performed by comparing the level of danger diagnosed for each neighborhood home in 2004 with that diagnosed using the same methodology in 2011. It also inquired about the behavior of neighbor residents in dealing with the problem of living in that area, analyzing the results of interviews conducted with them in 2011. It turned out that homes reduced their individual danger level in 72% of cases. However, the purpose of the neighbors was not to improve their situation with regard to interface fires but to refurbish their homes. So despite having reduced their fire danger, this community continues in the process of transformation towards prevention. To be considered a community prepared for fires in the wildland-urban interface, it is essential that its danger level is low as a consequence of the awareness of its people.
Parent Publication
Citation
Halaman, María Cecilia Ciampoli. 2013. A community in the wildland-urban interface. In: González-Cabán, Armando, tech. coord. Proceedings of the fourth international symposium on fire economics, planning, and policy: climate change and wildfires. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-245 (English). Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 265-273.
