Understanding homeowner proactive actions for managing wildfire risks

Wildfires have become increasing threats to residents, built environments, and ecosystems in the USA. Individual responsibility plays an important role reducing structure-level ignitability, turn, overall community vulnerability. When wildfire cannot be completely prevented through risk reduction efforts, homeowners insurance can serve as second line of defense by allowing transfer risk. To understand homeowner decisions on wildfire-related proactive actions effects such housing recovery, this study conducted online survey living at high extreme Western United States collected data related two types actions: individual-level insurance. First, a regression model for each action was estimated identify key characteristics house/property that had greatest impact. The results indicated age household income were common factors affecting their about home hardening policies, while only statistically significant factor defensible space satisfaction with surrounding environment (e.g., scenic beauty, privacy). Moreover, recovery process evaluated. showed more effective damage house than was, which consistent perception. also less likely experience post-wildfire financial hardship, subsequently repair damaged houses.