Forest ThreatNet
New online tool lets users explore Wildfire Risks in a Changing Climate
Wildfire and smoke risks are increasing due to the combined effects of climate change, fuels buildup, a growing wildland-urban interface, and other social and environmental factors. A new online collection of interactive StoryMaps produced by Threat Center scientists--in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service Southern Region, the Southern Group of State Foresters, and the Southeastern Cohesive Fire Strategy--describes wildfire risks in the South along with fuel treatment utility, risk mitigation strategies, and resilient fire management approaches. In addition to mapping current risks across the Southeastern US based on a large collection of social and ecological datasets, this assessment projects potential changes in risk under future climate and forest change scenarios. The result is a set of interactive maps and data that can be used to plan risk management strategies such as investing in prescribed fire programs to reduce fuels where they will have the most impact, and assessing options for building forest resilience to future increases in risk.
Explore the Wildfire Risk in a Changing Climate StoryMapsThe risk assessment behind the maps evaluates risk to people and structures from direct exposure to wildfire, as well as risks to people from harmful smoke exposure, even when the fires may be distant. In each case, social vulnerabilities that render some communities more susceptible than others are incorporated in the analysis. In addition, risks to important forest watersheds supplying clean drinking water, and risks to forests storing large quantities of carbon are also assessed.
Threat Center publications detailing the risk assessment analysis
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