Strategies for managing wildfires

Responses to wildfires

What are the four strategies for managing wildfires?

• preparedness

• mitigation

• prevention

• adaptation

preparedness

early detection and suppression of wildfires

mitigation

reducing the impact of the event before, during, and after it

prevention

actions aimed at reducing the chance of large-scale events from starting

adaptation

learning to live with the threat of wildfires and letting them take their course/burn themselves out

What are some examples of preparedness for wildfires?

• voluntary rural firefighting teams

• warnings issued as fire risk increases

• firebreaks around properties

What are some examples of mitigating wildfires?

• early detection by cameras, drones, satellites, and infrared sensors

• black burning ahead of a fire to remove the fuel

• disaster aid

• fire insurance

What are some examples of the prevention of wildfires?

• public awareness

• fire bans during times of high risk

• controlled burning to reduce the fuel store

What are some examples of adaptation to wildfires?

• burning old/diseased wood to stimulate fresh growth 

• regulations to restrict access to areas at risk of wildfires

• simple buildings made of natural products that will not cause pollution if burnt