How You Can Take Action Against America's Growing Wildfire Crisis

A wildfire burns near a community. Photo through Adobe Stock.

BY JESSICA GARDETTO

The United States is facing a wildfire crisis that poses a significant threat to our communities, businesses, and recreational areas. The troubling increase in the frequency, intensity, and scale of wildfires not only endangers lives but also inflicts a staggering financial burden, estimated to be between $394 billion and $893 billion annually. Alarmingly, scientists predict that the number of acres consumed by wildfires will continue to increase every year, with the likelihood of significant wildfires burning in different areas of the country at the same time. This escalating threat requires urgent action to reduce the risk of wildfires and to protect our communities, livelihoods, and vital resources.

One of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk is the strategic removal of excessive vegetation. This proactive approach, known as fuel management, typically includes removing undergrowth with machinery or by intentionally setting low-intensity fires. The Interior Department plays a crucial role in implementing these projects on the lands it manages, and, through cooperative agreements, the Department extends these efforts to adjacent areas. This collaborative strategy reduces wildfire risk, benefiting both natural habitats and nearby communities.

But these efforts are only part of the solution. Individual and community action is equally crucial—and that's where you come in. So, how can you take similar actions to reduce wildfire risk on your property or around your community? Thankfully, there are resources to help!

At Home

The most cost-effective way to enhance your home’s safety from wildfires begins right in your own yard. The National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA program has valuable resources to help homeowners minimize wildfire risks through straightforward landscaping techniques and home improvements. Making changes to the vegetation on your property and looking at some of the vulnerable parts of your home, such as attic and crawl space vents, are great places to start. The Firewise USA website provides essential tools that help you to pinpoint the most vulnerable areas around your home and practical methods for addressing them.

In Your Community

Firewise also offers community resources that empower you to work with your neighbors to collectively reduce wildfire risk throughout your entire neighborhood. Embracing these initiatives not only safeguards your property but also builds a stronger, more resilient community.

Working with your neighbors and local fire department to develop a community wildfire protection plan (CWPP) will help reduce the wildfire risk in your community and keep people and properties safe. CWPP is a fundamental part of any effective wildfire safety strategy. When one home catches fire, it can easily spread to surrounding structures, increasing the danger for the entire neighborhood.

To help you kickstart a CWPP in your community, the U.S. Fire Administration has valuable resources and tips that can guide you through the process. Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise website provides an array of helpful information to further empower your community in wildfire preparedness.

Many states, local governments, universities, and nonprofits offer resources with valuable tips on selecting fire-resistant and drought-tolerant plants that are ideal for enhancing your property’s safety while promoting sustainability. For instance, states like Idaho and Nevada have dedicated Firewise or fire-adapted community websites tailored to their unique environments and challenges. Check with your local city, county, or state officials for resources like these.

Reducing wildfire risk around your home and community may seem overwhelming, but it’s easy to get started with small, manageable steps. By using available resources, you can make informed decisions that help keep your home and neighborhood safe, and also support firefighters when wildfires are nearby. Embracing these strategies empowers you to create a more resilient community in the face of wildfires.

 ¹ U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee Report, 2023.

Looking for more information? Visit the National Fire Protection Association's Firewise USA program or contact your local fire department for resources specific to your area.

Jessica Gardetto is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Office of Wildland Fire.