Wildland urban interface: A look at issues and resolutions

The U.S. experienced staggering losses caused by wildfires, especially in the wildland urban interface. Wildfires in these areas resulted in devastating losses of life, health, and property, and cascading financial losses. Considering certain land and fire management decisions, along with climate change, wildfires are now moving with a speed and intensity previously unseen. Additionally, recent population growth and decades of growing housing development in the WUI is leaving our nation vulnerable to further loss.

Without significant collaborative efforts to facilitate change, our nation will continue to suffer catastrophic wildfire losses in the WUI. To trigger a sense of urgency and motivation to act, the U.S. Fire Administration, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service, developed this report, “Wildland Urban Interface: A Look at Issues and Resolutions,” to document opportunities for organizations and partners at every level to work with each other and resolve the challenges identified in the WUI.

While the resolutions to the challenges identified may seem daunting, they are achievable. Developing federal, state, tribal, territorial, local and community wildfire prevention and control initiatives as recommended in this report will raise awareness about the WUI fire problem. These recommendations, if heeded, will also assist in the creation of greater fire-resilient communities, save lives and property, and help all partners better plan and prepare for, mitigate against, and safely and effectively respond to wildfires in the WUI.

Together, we can take action to change the trajectory of the ever-increasing wildfire threat in America and create resilient landscapes for generations to come.