Homes on the Edge – A Burning Question

Wildland fire suppression costs consume $3 billion dollars from the  federal  budget.  A primary factor that contributes to the increased costs  is the protection of private property in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).  Headwaters Economics, a non-profit organization, reviewed the factors contributing to higher costs, and concluded that existing policy does not address the expansion of residential development in the WUI.  Instead, public policy concentrates on the current condition – i.e., what should be done about the existing private structures in fire prone areas?

In the  Headwaters Economics report on wildland fire costs, the authors argue that current policy lacks accountability.  Individuals and local governments should be held accountable for their land use decisions.  Instead, the taxpayers finance the fire suppression costs that benefit a small proportion of the population.  Their report proposes ten ideas that include both market incentives and regulation to ensure accountability.   The researchers advise that timing is critical because 86% of the WUI remains available for real estate development and residential expansion.  Combined with the trend towards a longer fire season,  the  hazard will increase as will the suppression costs.  Read more (PDF)>>

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