Residents in Wildland Interface communities have specific information needs during a wildfire event they believe is threatening or can threaten their homes. Even when the reality of the situation could be that the fire is several miles away and not coming in their direction, these residents need to feel that their concerns are being addressed by information officers. We need to look no further for validation on this than the USGS report “Communicating With Wildland Interface Communities During Wildfire” published in 2005. This report documents the frustrations residents in several fire incidents had and recorded recommendations for PIOs who may be involved in future events. For a copy of the report go to http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod
When smoke from a fire is visible to residents in an interface community, but not directly threatening their homes, may be a time when it is possible for information officers to present tools for homeowners to prepare their properties for a possible wildfire event. The following list of items will assist in preparing information officers to deliver messages that are designed to empower homeowners and interest them in becoming active in the protection of their communities.
Information Officer Self Learner – This PowerPoint presentation provides an orientation to wildland-urban interface mitigation for information officers.
Living With Fire – is a PowerPoint presentation that can be used during community information meetings or in any group setting where homeowners are interested in becoming acquainted with how they can protect their homes.
Are You Firewise – is a second PowerPoint presentation that can be used to help educate homeowners about their responsibilities in protecting their properties.
Organizational Characteristics Knotek Watson – The title of this PowerPoint presentation is actually: “Organizational Characteristics that Contribute to Success in Engaging the Public to Accomplish Fuels Management at the Wilderness/Non-Wilderness Interface.” The presentation was developed by researchers based at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute.
Oregon State University published “A Practical Guide to Citizen-Agency Partnerships: Public Outreach Strategies for Fire and Fuel Management.” The publication is a companion to the video program also produced by OSU called, “Communication Strategies for Fire Management.” If your home unit has significant WUI acres, these resources may be useful to you. For copies, contact Dr. Bruce Shindler at Bruce.Shindler@oregonstate.edu or by writing to the department at Department of Forest Resources, Oregon State University, 280 Peavy Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331
A series of fact sheets was produced by the Rocky Mountain Research Station regarding the social issues in fuels planning. Many of these fact sheets have valuable tips for information officers. See the following list of files:
- Three Critical Topics to Cover When Talking About Hazards
- The Importance of Working Locally
- Important Considerations for Communicating About Hazards
- The “Laws” of Effective Public Education About Fire Hazards
- The “Golden Rule” and Other Lessons on Communicating About Hazards
Another resource for information officers assisting WUI residents is a publication called the “Southwest Community Wildfire Protection Plan Guide.” This booklet was produced by The Southwest Strategy which is a community development and natural resources conservation and management effort by federal, state, tribal and local governments. To obtain a copy of the booklet, see the organization’s website at http://www.swstrategy.org/ . Of course the Firewise website is also good choice for resources. Two of the resources from that organization are listed here:
Firewise Landscaping Checklist – When designing and installing a firewise landscape, property owners will want to consider the items listed here. This is a one-page resource that is easily shared with those interested in this information.
Firewise Construction Checklist – Another very useful tool for property owners who are considering implementing Firewise methods. Both of these checklists would be valuable handouts during community meetings or other gatherings.
