Wildfire Resilient Communities: Site Planning and Design Strategies for Reducing Wildfire Risk

Abstract

Wildfires are a complex and often unpredictable natural phenomenon. Many ecosystems throughout the world have adapted to frequent fires as a natural part of their ecology, and many of their plants and animals have evolved strategies to survive and thrive in the aftermath of a fire. However, as wildfires are becoming more common and severe, they are causing significant damage to ecosystems and communities alike. The negative impacts of destructive wildfires have become one of the most pressing resilience challenges of our time. The risks posed by wildfires are complex and multifaceted, encompassing ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated and collaborative approach, involving governments, communities, and professionals from a range of disciplines. Landscape architects can play a critical role in restoring and rehabilitating landscapes impacted by wildfires, as well as designing landscapes that are more resilient to future wildfires. This project aims to synthesize knowledge from a range of disciplines into a technical guide. The guide provides a compendium of implementable strategies for community-scale design that is needed to mitigate risks associated with wildfires in fire-prone regions.