A University of Wisconsin Forest Ecologist, Volker Radeloff and his team of colleagues recently analyzed 200 Census data. The team concluded that 39% of the homes that are in the lower 48 states are situated on the wildland-urban interface- the designated area where housing developments meet up with forests.
Current attention is typically placed on the states in the western half of the country. This recent study reveals a greater fire risk in the east and Southeastern states because these areas tend to have more wildland-urban interface.
Experts believe that as temperatures and carbon dioxide levels increase, the growing seasons in these regions will become extended in these areas and that forestlands will tend to dry out before the trees have a chance to go dormant for the winter. This situation increases the chances for wildfires.
Experts are stressing the importance of building homes with fire-resistant windows, roofs and landscaping, making sure that the land surrounding the homes is cleared of all brush. They also recommend that streets in newer areas be expanded to allow both fire trucks and evacuation traffic to move more freely when required.
The findings show that wildfire risks will change over time and that people need to recognize the ongoing need to adapt to these changes on an ongoing basis.
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