FEMA Study Outlines Wildfire Risks to Areas Bordering Wildlands

FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration have released a report outlining issues related to and recommendations for mitigating the risks associated with the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where human-developed areas transition into undeveloped wildland. In a time where the consequences of wildfires are becoming more impactful, these regions are especially vulnerable. This report breaks down the government’s concerns into 11 issues, with 33 challenges in total, and provides recommendations for each issue. Water-related issues include maintaining the health and resilience of watersheds, incorporating water utilities into wildfire planning on the federal level, and how to ensure firefighter and civilian access to water during and after wildfires. Read the full report at FEMA.