An Examination of the Influence of Hazard Experience on Wildfire Risk Perceptions and Adoption of Mitigation Measures

Abstract

Previous experience with a hazard has been identified as influencing risk perception and adoption of adjustments. However, this relationship is not clear and may depend on the differences in experiences that may occur within a community. This article describes residents' wildfire experiences and explores how these experiences may influence risk perceptions and implementation of mitigation measures 1 year after the 2003 Lost Creek and McLure wildfires in western Canada. Interviews were conducted with 40 residents with different wildfire experiences, including losing their home, being evacuated, self-evacuating early, staying in their house during a wildfire, and being away from the area. Results suggest that differences in hazard experiences can impact post-event risk perceptions and adoption of mitigation measures. Management implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• Canada
• hazard experience
• mitigation measures
• risk perception
• wildfires

Our sincere thanks to our interview participants and key contacts within communities affected by the two wildfires. The Foothills Model Forest, Hinton, Alberta, and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada graciously funded the research presented here.

Notes

The list included: Keep grass mowed and watered within 10 meters of their home; remove shrubs, trees and deadfall within 10 meters of their home; 10 to 30 meters from their home, thin shrubs or trees so that adjacent trees do not touch; store firewood well away from the home; remove needles, leaves, and overhanging trees and vegetation from the roof, gutter, and eaves; ensure driveway is wide enough for movement of emergency vehicles; screen house soffit vents and gutters; screen or enclose undersides of decks and porches, and enclose balconies and crawl spaces; use metal, asphalt, or ULC-treated shakes for the roof; use stucco, metal, brick, or concrete for exterior walls; use tempered glass for exterior glass doors; and use double- or thermal-pane windows.

Five stayed in their houses; one evacuated during the fire.

One self-evacuated early and the other was away on vacation at the time of the fire.