8H

These southeastern areas experience a higher amount of demographic stress due to the rural nature of the “bedroom communities” in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area. There are many people in the WUI and greater number of ignitions due to the higher population. There is a forest product industry in these areas and a capacity for prescribed fire.

Example of a Typical County — Jones County, Mississippi: Jones County has numerous towns and includes part of the De Soto National Forest. It has a growing problem with invasive, flammable cogongrass.

National Priorities

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

Policy Options and Opportunities

Vegetation and Fuels
These counties have a history of using prescribed fire and could expand or maintain use of this fuel management option. There may be an active forest products industry nearby, which could support fuel treatments. Treatments may be economical as a precursor to prescribed fire. The focus would be on treating the periphery of the area to act as a buffer.

Homes, Communities and Values at Risk
Individual homeowners can be proactive on home defensive actions. 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