One after another, major wildfires left thousands of destroyed homes and millions of acres burned in the western states. ClimateCheck reveals the results of their new study whereby wildfires on the west coast are highly likely to reprise in the coming years with increased levels of destruction.
ClimateCheck shows a forecast until 2050 that 9.3 million acres nationally will be burned each year. Their study shows 20 areas identified as carrying the highest risk of fire and more than half have growing populations.
Six areas identified to be wildfire-prone areas are in the top 15% of the nation’s fastest-growing counties!
ClimateCheck highlighted the potential danger that awaits Placer County, northwest of Sacramento, warning that the typical home in that county carries a wildfire risk score of 98 out of 100 while the region is projected to burn 28,498 acres a year by 2050. While these risks are forecasted to happen, Placer County’s population is growing nearly 7% in recent years, placing it at the top 15 amongst the fastest-growing counties.
In several counties in the Greater Salt Lake area — Weber, Morgan and Salt Lake counties — property risks for fire are 97, 95 and 88, respectively. Weber County’s population grew nearly 6 percent in recent years; Morgan County’s grew by 17.5 percent; and Salt Lake County’s grew by nearly 7 percent. All three of these counties are projected to burn more than 55,000 acres collectively a year by 2050.
Despite the high risks, what draws people to live in these wildfire-prone areas?
“There are many reasons people continue to run into the fire,” said Skylar Olsen, economic advisor to ClimateCheck.
Possible reasons why people continue to homeowners in these areas are;
• Affordability
• Value of space
• Offer for a more natural world
• Slower pace of life
The pandemic has also intensified the migration to urban areas as COVID-related safety measures by working from home have encouraged the move even more .
Olsen added that “building into the wildland-urban interface will put more homes and people at risk. Prudent zoning measures and strategic property and forest management, are a must as climate change will continue to bring more serious wildfire seasons to the Western U.S., more often.
