Mitigate: Reduce Your Risk of Experiencing a Wildfire

If you live in an area that is considered a wildland urban interface (WUI)—the line, area, or zone where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wild land or natural areas—you are at risk of being in the line of a wildfire.

According to the Alabama Forestry Commission, between 2004 and 2008 more than 247,000 acres in Alabama burned because of wildfires. In addition, 212 homes were damaged or destroyed, and more than 700 other structures and 800 vehicles burned. The 2008 Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment’s “Fire in the South 2” report revealed that 803 Alabama communities are at high or very high risk of wildfire and more than 6,600 communities are at moderate risk of experiencing wildfires.  

Take the following steps to reduce the risk of your home and community becoming fuel for a wildfire. 

• Review and follow the Homeowner’s Wildland Fire Risk Assessment and Recommendations.  
• Contact the Alabama Forestry Commission to request a free consultation. AFC professionals can help you through the process of hazard reduction.
• Enlist your subdivision and community members in preparing a wildfire protection plan.
• Learn more about wild land/urban interface implications.

More information is available at the following:

Federal Emergency Management Agency – Wildfire

Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Extension

Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment – Fire in the South 2

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