![]() Wildfire is not the only concerning aspect of the WUI. That combination can be treacherous and, as we have seen in past wildfire seasons, can often turn deadly. Wildfire frequency and intensity have increased along with the number of homes in these areas. Longer, drier summers and earlier snowmelt create conditions that make fire containment and the protection of property very difficult. Combined with the buildup of brush and fuel in these areas, the spread of fire poses an immediate danger to those living in the WUI, as well as emergency responders tasked with the protection of these homes.Ĭlimate change has created a new set of problems for residents of this zone, both humans and wildlife. Wildfire can spread extremely quickly, and buildings that are not properly prepared are effective fuel for fires. However, failing to use the WUI as a fire break that protects urban areas can come at a high cost as communities like Paradise, CA recently experienced. These qualities of the WUI in Central Oregon have contributed to our extraordinary growth in recent decades. WUIs can be a draw for visitors and residents because of their natural beauty and opportunity for recreational activities. These areas are outside of urban centers, prone to wildfire, and usually distanced from infrastructure. The wildland urban interface (WUI) is an area where human development meets wildlands. With global climate change causing warmer temperatures and more frequent drought conditions in Central Oregon, LandWatch’s commitment to planning for wildfire is stronger now than ever. Land use planning that limits dispersed rural development and promotes infill development inside urban growth boundaries (UGBs) is one of the most effective tools to prevent loss from wildfire. This is why LandWatch has spent more than a decade advocating for careful planning in the face of wildfire, especially in our region’s most high-risk areas. Because of this, we need to plan for people and wildfire to coexist. ![]() In Central Oregon, wildfire is a natural ecological process that keeps our forests and grasslands healthy and resilient. The likelihood of wildfire throughout our region makes rural and sprawling development extremely dangerous. Land Use Planning Protects Central Oregon from Wildfire
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