Wildland fire
Wildland fire
Though a natural part of the many and varied ecosystems of Idaho, wildfire is one of the most feared, fought and controversial components of our physical environment. Wildfires are unplanned wildland fires that spread quickly through forests and rangelands. Gain an understanding of fire ecology and obtain important information about living and playing in the wildland/urban interface.
Fire and the wildland/urban interface
The wildland/urban interface (WUI) refers to areas where people have built homes in or near adjacent wildland areas. WUI areas often abut against state or federal forest and rangelands. Learn how to increase the fire “resistiveness" of both your home and surrounding landscape, and what to do in the event of a wildfire emergency.
Related resources
Wildfire evacuation
Homeowners living in the wildland/urban interface need to be prepared to evacuate themselves, their pets and their livestock in the event of a wildfire disaster. Once evacuation orders have been given, it is vitally important that WUI residents leave early — 60% of lives lost to wildland fire are of those that chose to stay and wait and see and then evacuated too late.
Related resources
- Replacing important lost or damaged documents in Idaho, BUL 903
- Idaho Firewise
- National Interagency Fire Center
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- American Red Cross
Fire ecology
The landscapes of Idaho are ones dependent on periodic wildfires. Learn more about the ecology of fire and how it is essential for the maintenance of healthy forests.
Related resources
UI Extension publications
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