Developing Behavioral and Evidence-Based Programs for Wildfire Risk Mitigation

Hilary Byerly,James R Meldrum,Patricia Champ,Jamie Gomez,Lilia Falk,Chris Barth,Hannah Brenkert-Smith

doi:10.3390/fire3040066

Abstract

The actions of residents in the wildland–urban interface can influence the private and social costs of wildfire. Wildfire programs that encourage residents to take action are often delivered without evidence of effects on behavior. Research from the field of behavioral science shows that simple, often low-cost changes to program design and delivery can influence socially desirable behaviors. In this research report, we highlight how behavioral science and experimental design may advance efforts to increase wildfire risk mitigation on private property. We offer an example in which we tested changes in outreach messaging on property owners’ interest in wildfire risk information. In partnership with a regional wildfire organization, we mailed 4564 letters directing property owners to visit personalized wildfire risk webpages. By tracking visitation, we observed that 590 letter recipients (12%) sought information about their wildfire risk and response varied by community. This research–practice collaboration has three benefits: innovation in outreach, evidence of innovation through experimental design, and real impacts on interest in wildfire mitigation among property owners. Future collaborations may inform behavioral and evidence-based programs to better serve residents and the public interest as the risks from wildfires are projected to grow.

Highlights

In communities at risk of wildfire, mitigation on private property can improve personal safety and structure survivability [1,2]
Evidence from the field of behavioral science suggests new strategies to influence individual behavior, as well as how effects vary for different populations [7,8]
We describe a field experiment conducted in partnership with a wildfire organization to test behavioral outreach strategies and measure their effects. We present this experiment as an example drawn from an ongoing study to illustrate how insights from behavioral science can be used to understand wildfire risk mitigation program outreach

Summary

Introduction

In communities at risk of wildfire, mitigation on private property can improve personal safety and structure survivability [1,2]. Wildfire mitigation and education programs encourage mitigation, ranging from broad federal efforts (e.g., Firewise USA® ) to local initiatives (e.g., on-site visits, cost share programs, chipper days) that encourage risk-reducing actions by property owners. These programs are increasingly important to create fire-adapted communities and share the burden of wildfire risk across resource-constrained organizations [6]. Evidence from the field of behavioral science suggests new strategies to influence individual behavior, as well as how effects vary for different populations [7,8]. We draw from this study to highlight the potential benefits of bringing behavioral science into wildfire research and practice

Linking Behavioral Science to the Wildfire Context

Experimental Outreach in Wildfire-Prone Areas of Western COLORADO

Design

Results

Benefits of Bridging Wildfire Research and Practice with Behavioral Science