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These counties occur mostly in the southeastern United States, along the Appalachian Mountains and the Gulf Coast, with some scattered counties in Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky. These areas are characterized by a higher Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area and large number of ignitions.

Example of a Typical County — Pike County, Kentucky: Pike County lies in easternmost Kentucky. It has many small private woodland parcels and many human ignitions.

National Priorities

Vegetation and Fuels Moderate
Homes, Communities and Values at Risk Moderate
Human-Caused Ignitions High
Effective and Efficient Response:
There is high 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
Prepare for large, long duration wildfires. Protect structures and target prevention of ignitions.

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