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.
Resources Radio Episode on Wildfires
Listen to Matthew Wibbenmeyer discuss the growing risk from wildfires.
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Resources Magazine — Feb 25, 2021
A Climate Resilience Road Map for the New Administration
Revitalized efforts to prioritize climate change adaptation in a new administration could help set the United States on a path toward climate resilience. RFF University Fellow Carolyn Kousky shares her ideas for how to get there.
Speeches & Presentations — Jan 5, 2021
Wildfires, Smoke, and Outdoor Recreation in the Western United States
An external event hosted by the Allied Social Science Association
Media Highlight — Feb 10, 2021
"Hardening" Homes Against Wildfires in California Has Been an Uphill Battle
A story in Forbes, which was syndicated by roughly a dozen state-level publications, cites RFF research on wildfires and community activism.
Working Paper — Dec 16, 2020
Priorities and Effectiveness in Wildfire Management: Evidence from Fire Spread in the Western US
This working paper finds that fires are more likely to stop spreading as they approach homes, with the likelihood increasing with the number, and especially the value of, homes.
Working Paper — Dec 16, 2020
Inequality in Agency Responsiveness: Evidence from Salient Wildfire Events
This working paper examines the efforts federal agencies undertake in the aftermath of a fire. It finds that agencies increase fuel management only near affected communities with high socioeconomic status.
Report — Sep 4, 2020
Climate Insights 2020: Natural Disasters
Surveying American Public Opinion on Climate Change and the Environment
Media Highlight — Feb 10, 2021
"Hardening" Homes Against Wildfires in California Has Been an Uphill Battle
A story in Forbes, which was syndicated by roughly a dozen state-level publications, cites RFF research on wildfires and community activism.
Media Highlight — Dec 31, 2020
New Study Shows Assistance After Wildfire May Depend on Wealth and Race of Neighborhood
A radio story in multiple western NPR stations details a study on post-wildfire management coauthored by Matthew Wibbenmeyer.
Media Highlight — Dec 24, 2020
AM News Brief: Navajo Nation COVID, Wildfire And Race & Governor On Transition
KUER 90.1, Utah's NPR station, features Fellow Matthew Wibbenmeyer's new research on inequality in post-wildfire response.
Resources Magazine — Feb 25, 2021
A Climate Resilience Road Map for the New Administration
Revitalized efforts to prioritize climate change adaptation in a new administration could help set the United States on a path toward climate resilience. RFF University Fellow Carolyn Kousky shares her ideas for how to get there.
On the Issues — Dec 18, 2020
Socioeconomic Disparities in Wildfire Response, Energy Innovation Bill Gains Momentum, and More
A weekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars.
Common Resources — Oct 30, 2020
New Federal Policies are Needed to Address Surging Wildfire Smoke
As increasing proportions of US particulate pollution come from wildfires, new federal policies are needed to mitigate the impacts and help affected communities adapt.