Land Use–Based Wildfire Planning for Unincorporated Communities

Source abstract

This study examines the integration of land use planning in wildfire management for unincorporated communities in the Western United States. Through content analysis and multiple regression of sixty county-level Community Wildfire Protection Plans across eleven states, the research identifies significant gaps in zoning and preventative strategies compared to vegetation management and building regulations. Findings reveal that state mandates and prior wildfire experiences drive better planning integration, while population growth and stakeholder diversity negatively affect land use planning outcomes. The study underscores the need for tailored, holistic approaches to wildfire mitigation, particularly in areas with limited governance structures and comprehensive planning.