Public engagement in neighbourhood level wildfire mitigation and preparedness: Case studies from Canada, the US and Australia

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 92; no. 10; pp. 2524 - 2532
• Main Author: McGee, T.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2011; Elsevier; Academic Press Ltd
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Australia; Biological and medical sciences; Bushfire; Canada; Citizen participation; Communities; Community engagement; Community Participation; Community-Institutional Relations; Conservation of Natural Resources; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Emergency preparedness; Fire; Fires; Forest & brush fires; Forest and land fires; Forest areas; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Government; Government agencies; Government programmes; Humans; International comparisons; Interviews; Interviews as Topic; Management; Mitigation; Neighborhoods; Neighbourhood; Neighbourhoods; Phytopathology. Animal pests. Plant and forest protection; Public participation; Residence; Residence Characteristics; Resilience; Risk; Safety; U.S.A; United States; Weather damages. Fires; Wildfire; Wildfires; Canada; Australia; North America; America; Oceania; United States > US; USA; Mitigation; Community engagement; Wildfire; Bushfire; Public participation; Neighbourhood; Participation; Residential neighborhoods; Environmental management; Case study; Mitigation measure; Vegetation fire; Community
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2011.05.017

This study examined neighbourhood level wildfire mitigation programs being implemented in neighbourhoods in Canada (FireSmart-ForestWise), Australia (Community Fireguard) and the US (Firewise Communities). Semi-structured interviews were completed with 19 residents participating in the programs. A wide range of activities were completed as part of the three programs. Despite differences between the three programs, participants appeared to participate in the programs for three main reasons: Fire experience, agency involvement, and personal and family protection. A fire therefore provides a window of opportunity to engage residents in neighbourhood level wildfire mitigation programs. The neighbourhood level wildfire mitigation programs helped to reduce the wildfire risk, but also enhanced both community resilience and relationships between residents and government agencies. ► Neighbourhood level wildfire mitigation programs in Canada, Australia and the United States. ► A wide range of activities was completed by participants. ► Fire experience, agency involvement and personal and family protection encouraged involvement. ► Programs enhanced community resilience and resident–government relationships.