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- Info
Defensible Space: Fifteen Reasons Why People Don't Do It
| Author: |
Smith, E. |
| Date: |
2006 |
| Periodical: |
University of Nevada Cooperative Extension [CD ROM] |
| Abstract: |
The term defensible space refers to that area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and allow fire fighters to safely operate. Research results clearly demonstrate that defensible space improves the probability of house survival during wildfire. Despite educational efforts by fire fighting agencies, many property owners living in high fire hazard environments have been slow to adopt defensible space practices. Based on the findings of four surveys involving property owners living in high fire hazard areas in California and Nevada, fifteen factors were identified that influence decisions to adopt defensible space practices. These factors were: lack of awareness, denial, fatalism, futility, irresponsibility, inability, lack of incentives, insurance, lack of knowledge, aesthetics, unnaturalness, disposal of slash, discomfort, illegality, and lack of ownership. If the goal is to have property owners employ defensible space practices, it is important to understand the factors that affect their decisions to take action. Once these factors are understood, resources can be strategically directed to address the real reasons for property owner failure to implement defensible space practices. |
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