Co-sponsored by Wildfire Adapted Partnership, Colorado Natural Hazards Center, Institute of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism at USU

Wildfire Adapted Partnership is a nonprofit organization that seeks to protect lives and property from wildfire by inspiring, educating and enabling individuals and communities in southwest Colorado. In this presentation, participants will learn about WAP’s education and incentive programs for residents including its unique Neighborhood Ambassador program that utilizes volunteers as sparkplugs in their communities in order to accomplish more wildfire preparedness. We will also take a look at how this approach proved beneficial during the 416 Fire that burned north of Durango last summer.

We (Lauren) surveyed residents of La Plata county living in the evacuation and pre-evacuation zones during the 416 fire. We asked residents to identify their thoughts on the likeliness that a fire could occur both before and after the 416 fire, as well as identify mitigation actions that were taken before and after. I will build on the WAP presentation and provide results that illustrate how the 416 fire shaped resident perceptions of future wildfires and their intentions to mitigate risk on their property.