A Call to End the Destruction of Communities by Wildfire in 30 Years
Over the past decade, the U.S. has witnessed a steady increase in wildfire activity. Experts predict this trend will remain. Despite the $2 to $3 billion per year to support wildland fire suppression efforts, the number of homes lost in wildfires per year has increased by 163 percent and wildfires now cost the U.S. an estimated $63 to $285 billion per year in losses.
To stem the trend in wildfire-caused human and property losses, the U.S. must make significant policy changes at all levels of government. NFPA has released a comprehensive strategy that will push for the transformation that, over time, will significantly reduce risk to communities. The strategy is rooted in two realities – wildfires are going to happen, and the fire service will not be able to extinguish these fires at a pace to save people and property in their path.
Outthink Wildfire launch
Watch the live event to learn about the five fundamental tenets of Outthink Wildfire™, listen to remarks, and hear answers to questions from our panel of industry experts.
Outthink Wildfire Summit Report Recommendations
NFPA hosted a summit in Sacramento, CA, in May 2022, bringing together more than 50 representatives to focus on the complex problem of wildfire risk to existing properties and communities. Summit participants worked to identify the most critically important areas needing national focus and recommendations for addressing them. The recommendations are detailed in this report.
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According to NFPA, to solve the wildfire problem, these five tenets must be supported by all levels of government:
- Require all homes and business in the wildland urban interface (WUI) to be more resistant to ignition from wildfire embers and flames
- Current codes and standards, as well as sound land use practices must be in use and enforced for new development and rebuilding in wildfire-prone areas
- Fire departments for communities in the WUI must be prepared to respond safely and effectively to wildfire
- Government must increase resources for vegetative fuel management on public land
- The public must understand its role and take action in reducing wildfire risk
Action policies*
Action Policy #1
Require homes and businesses in the WUI to be more resistant to ignition from wildfire embers and flames
Action policy #2
Current codes and standards and sound land use practices must be enforced for new development and rebuilding in wildfire-prone areas
Action policy #3
Fire departments in the WUI must be prepared to respond safely and effectively to wildfire
Action policy #5
The public must understand its role and take action in reducing wildfire risk
The influence of insurance
Property insurance is the primary and largest financial safety net for recovering from disaster-caused property damage including wildfires. State legislation needs to enable insurers to use risk models and reward mitigation efforts, as well as sending price signals that discourage risky building and development practices.
DownloadUsing Codes and Standards to Reduce Risk in Wildfire-Prone Areas
NFPA has several standards to guide wildfire risk reduction in communities, many of which have recently been consolidated into a single publication: NFPA 1140, Standard for Wildland Fire Protection.
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Questions? Comments? Please contact NFPA's Wildfire Division.
For media inquiries contact NFPA's Public Affairs Office.