2J

This group of counties covers a large part of the west, including substantial federal lands. These counties have a long history of large wildfires which conflict with the extensive Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The footprint of the WUI is small, but many homes are consolidated in the interface with tight clusters of homes surrounded by burnable vegetation. Cross-jurisdictional solutions and partnerships may be required here to successfully reduce risk to communities. This may include use of strategic fuel breaks.

Example of a Typical County — Trinity County, California: This county’s small towns are surrounded by the Shasta Trinity National Forest and large Wilderness Areas. Large lightning fires occurred in 1987, 1999, 2006, and 2008.

National Priorities

Vegetation and Fuels High
Homes, Communities and Values at Risk High
Human-Caused Ignitions Low
Effective and Efficient Response:
There is high risk of large wildfires, more potential for resource benefits.

Policy Options and Opportunities

Managing Fuels Across the Landscape
Strategic combinations of mechanical treatments, prescribed fire use, and wildland fire use may be most effective to achieve multiple objectives. When possible, use naturally ignited wildfire, under controlled situations, to accomplish similar fuel treatment targets. There may be an active forest products industry nearby, which could support fuel treatments.
 
Managing Ignitions
Human caused ignitions are a problem in these counties. Reduce accidental human-caused ignitions through the enforcement of burning bans or greater education of the danger of attended fires. Reduce human-caused incendiary ignitions by focusing on enforcement programs.
 
Home and Community Actions
Communities can plan and take coordinated action, in combination with individual actions by property owners. These counties could also adjust building and construction codes in all areas.
 
Response to Wildfires
Prepare for large, long duration wildfires.

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