Behavioral Adaptation to Compound Wildfire Stressors

Mentee:

Francisca N. Santana

Mentoring Team:

Paige Fischer

Heidi Huber-Sterns

Sue Anne Bell

Nancy French

Partner Organization:

Understanding individual and community adaptation to wildfire and community hazards in Northern California 

Purpose

Communities across the Western U.S. face a future increasingly disrupted by not just wildfire itself, but also related hazards, such as smoke and power shutoffs. There is a lack of information available on how communities can navigate these compounding hazards, to inform policy and community preparedness and response. In this study, we explored how people understand and respond to the impacts of wildfire and related hazards of smoke and power shutoffs. We also examined perceptions of community-level programs and efforts to address and prepare for wildfire, smoke, and power shutoffs in the future 

Approach

In the spring of 2023, we conducted research in three rural counties in Northern California: Lake, Tehama, and Tuolumne Counties. Counties were selected based on the following three characteristics: (1) contains high and very high fire hazard zones, based on CALFIRE’s 2023 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps, (2) has experienced extreme levels of smoke, and (3) has experienced over five Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Across the three counties, we conducted 45 interviews of community members and local organization leaders with first-hand experience with compound wildfire hazards 

Our interviews included questions about: 

(1) memories of wildfire, smoke, and power shutoffs in the community, with a focus on concurrent events; 

(2) perceptions of threat and their ability to respond and; 

(3) actions taken at the individual, household, and community-levels to respond to wildfire hazards. 

Initial Findings

Wildfire Response

Most interviewees  reported a high-level of ability to respond to wildfire. This included  actions related to risk reduction (e.g., creating defensible space) and emergency preparedness (e.g., planning an evacuation route). However, most noted how under severe fire conditions, no amount of risk reduction on their personal property would likely stop a fire from destroying their home. Many were concerned about an insufficient number of or quality of evacuation routes in their community.

Smoke Response

Most interviewees perceived wildfire smoke to be a serious threat, yet  many expressed more concern for individuals vulnerable to smoke (e.g., those with asthma, older adults).  Negative impacts on mental health and well-being were reported by many interviewees. Smoke responses included: wearing a mask, staying indoors, using an air filter, or in some cases, temporarily leaving the area. 

There is frustration and a reported low-level of ability to effectively respond to the increasing frequency and severity of smoke. Despite the array of actions taken to protect against smoke exposure, many interviewees noted a lack of information about the anticipated duration of smoke events and frustrations at repeated interruptions to recreational and professional outdoor activities.

Power Shutoffs

Finally, interview participants discussed the inconvenience and challenges posed by power shutoffs, especially public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) implemented by the utility Pacific Gas & Electric in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Many interviewees reported that they purchased gas or propane generators for supplemental power, though many acknowledged that purchasing a generator or solar panels was an expense not all households could bear. Only a few interviewees had solar power and backup batteries. Some cited concern about the ongoing threats to health and well-being during power shutoffs, especially those that coincide with hot temperatures and smoke.

Santana et al, (2023)

Novel Impacts 

Infrastructure Interdependencies 

Mental & Emotional Well-being 

Implications for Practice and Ongoing Work