Wildfire preparedness and evacuation planning in a pandemic

Recommendations for 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed how wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, response, and recovery efforts were implemented across the western United States in 2020. 

The western United States is likely to experience another severe wildfire season in 2021. Even as communities get vaccinated over the next months, and the pandemic seemingly recedes, there remains uncertainty around community preparedness and evacuation planning in a pandemic. 

It will be important to comprehensively prepare ‘whole of community’ for the evolving nature of the wildfire-pandemic interface in inclusive, just, and equitable ways. 

Fortunately, important lessons can be applied from the past year. As we mark Wildfire Preparedness Day (May 1), here are some recommendations for the months ahead. 

Based on longitudinal research (June 2020 – February 2021) conducted in Nevada County, California, and Larimer County, Colorado, this research brief recommends 22 priority actions across 9 areas and 3 cross-cutting dimensions for communities working to reduce wildfire risk while recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.    

Also look out for the complete report later this month!