The experience of community residents in a fire-prone ecosystem: A case study on the San Bernardino National Forest

Abstract

This report presents results from a study of San Bernardino National Forest community residents’ experiences with and perceptions of fire, fire management, and the Forest Service. Using self-administered surveys and focus group discussions, we found that participants had personal experiences with fire, were concerned about fire, and felt knowledgeable about effective fire management. Consideration of future consequences, a measure of time orientation, was not found to be related to beliefs about and reactions to wildfire. Trust in the Forest Service was related to a number of fire-associated attitudes. Findings help shed light on the experiences of residents living in fire-prone communities and highlight the importance of trust in understanding public perceptions about fire management.

Citation

Cvetkovich, George T.; Winter, Patricia L. 2008. The experience of community residents in a fire-prone ecosystem: A case study on the San Bernardino National Forest. Res. Paper. PSW-RP-257. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station. 42 p.