WiRē
We are poised to gain some valuable insight into the hearts and minds of our residents here in Routt County. The WiRē process pairs social data from residents living in the wildland urban interface with parcel level wildfire risk data. Using this community specific data, we should have a clearer understanding of how programs can be tailored to effectively move local residents to take action to reduce wildfire risk.
At the core of of the WiRē approach are two data collection efforts:
A rapid wildfire risk assessment based on attributes related to building materials, vegetation near the home, background fuels and topography, as well as access for the fire department to the parcel. The rapid assessment serves as an indicator of relative risk of parcels within a community rather than an absolute measure of risk. Rapid assessments were completed in the fall of 2023 and spring / summer of 2024.
Social surveys of the residents of the assessed parcels to investigate homeowners’ perceptions of wildfire risk, risk mitigation behaviors, and responses to incentives to mitigate risk. Household surveys were sent out in the spring / summer of 2024.
Training was conducted in September for a dozen volunteers and agency representatives so that we can effectively conduct Rapid Assessments on approximately 2,200 homes throughout the County.
A series of neighborhoods were selected for the study. Some criteria have been established by WiRē based on the results of previous studies that will drive greater participation and results. And it was important for us to reach into neighborhoods throughout the County so that we can better understand the regional differences in perception and need.
The resulting study areas we have identified are:
- South Routt / Stagecoach
- North Routt / Willow Creek Pass & Hahns Peak Village
- West Steamboat / Heritage Park, Steamboat II & Silver Spur
Our hope is to have this study wrapped up and action underway by December 2024.
