Wildfires
Impacts of wildfires in the United States have increased rapidly in recent years due to climate change, land management practices, and residential development in fire hazard areas. RFF researchers are working to understand how communities, land managers, and policymakers can take steps to prevent wildland fires from becoming wildfire disasters.
Publications
Working Paper — Jul 11, 2019
The Cost-Effectiveness of Satellite Earth Observations to Inform a Post-Wildfire Response
This study demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery to assess burned areas and prioritize response measures after a wildfire; it shows that, by using Landsat imagery, federal agencies can save up to $7.7 million per year in post-fire costs.
Journal Article — Mar 21, 2019
Salience and the Government Provision of Public Goods
This paper examines how behavioral biases caused by salient events affect the government provision of public goods.
Journal Article — Jun 11, 2018
The Dangers of Disaster-Driven Responses to Climate Change
This paper reviews responses to low-probability, high-consequence climate change events.
News
Press Release — Jul 11, 2019
Satellite Imagery Saves Federal Agencies up to $7.7 Million per Year in Post-Wildfire Costs
A new VALUABLES study finds that using the Landsat satellite program is the most cost-effective method to assess burned land and prioritize responses.
Media Highlight — Apr 12, 2019
"California Governor Seeks to Protect Utilities From the Cost of Wildfires"
Media Highlight — Apr 3, 2019