8A

These areas occur mostly within the urban and suburban areas of the eastern United States. There is less forested land cover and a higher amount of ignitions due to the increase in population. These counties are characterized by a higher than average demographic advantage, mixed demographic stress and a low to moderate area burned. They are dominated by the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area. These areas have a large number of fire stations and responders, so even though the number of incidents is large, the area burned is limited.

Example of a Typical County — Worcester County, Massachusetts: Like many nearby urban counties, Worcester has a high Wildland Urban Interface and numerous small fires.

National Priorities

Vegetation and Fuels Very Low
Homes, Communities and Values at Risk Moderate
Human-Caused Ignitions High
Effective and Efficient Response:
There is low risk of large wildfires.

Policy Options and Opportunities

Vegetation and Fuels
Local discretion should be used to determine the importance of fuel treatment, which treatment is applicable and what is affordable based on the use of local resources.

Homes, Communities and Values at Risk
Communities can plan and take coordinated action, in combination with individual actions by property owners. This can include the creation of buffers and strategic fuel breaks. These counties could adjust building and construction codes in municipal areas.

Human-Caused Ignitions
Human caused ignitions are a problem in these counties. Reduce accidental and human-caused ignitions through enforcement or outreach.

Effective and Efficient Wildfire Response
Protect structures and target prevention of ignitions.

Download PDF

PDF icon 8A.pdf