Wildfire Risk Perceptions and Mitigation Options

Various factors have emerged to increase the risk of catastrophic wildfires in our National Forests. Years of suppression of natural fires, an increase in human populations living in and around the forests, changes in climate such as prolonged droughts, and beetle infestations are just some of those factors. With the rising occurrence of devastating fires, managing risk has become critical. This book provides background information to examine the ways in which different groups or disaster subcultures develop the mentalities or perceived realities that affect their views and responses concerning risk and disaster preparedness. Four risk beliefs and attitudes of individuals and groups from four geographic areas in the Southwest, surrounding the Kaibab, Tonto, Santa Fe, and Lincoln National Forests are presented.