Fire Management Approaches

Living with fire.

See how communities thrive or struggle based on their approach to fire.

Toggle between approaches to compare:

Reactive
Proactive
Reactive fire management
Reactive
Unprepared.
Chaotic.
Vulnerable.
Proactive fire management
Proactive
Organized.
Prepared.
Resilient.

See how fire unfolds

Select a phase to explore:

Before
During
After
Reactive
Proactive
Before
During
After

Reactive: Before

Communities with a reactive approach to fire management often lack comprehensive preparation. Fire safety measures may be minimal, with limited investment in prevention infrastructure. Early warning systems might be basic or outdated.

Planning tends to focus on emergency response after a fire starts rather than preventative measures. Community education about fire safety might be sparse or inconsistent, leaving residents underprepared for potential threats.

Reactive: During

When fires occur, reactive communities often face chaotic scenarios. Emergency responses may be disorganized, with agencies struggling to coordinate effectively. Resources can be stretched thin as teams work to contain rapidly spreading fires.

Evacuations might be last-minute and disorderly, leading to congested escape routes and heightened danger. Communication channels may become overwhelmed, making it difficult to disseminate crucial information to affected residents.

Reactive: After

In the aftermath, reactive communities often face extensive rebuilding efforts with minimal pre-established recovery frameworks. Insurance challenges are common, with many residents discovering they were underinsured for fire damage.

Economic recovery can be slow and painful, with businesses struggling to reopen and property values potentially declining. The emotional and psychological toll on community members is significant, with limited support services available for trauma recovery.

Proactive: Before

Proactive communities invest heavily in prevention and preparedness. They implement comprehensive forest management practices, including regular controlled burns and mechanical thinning to reduce fuel loads in surrounding areas.

Building codes strictly enforce fire-resistant construction materials and defensible space requirements. Community-wide education programs ensure residents understand evacuation procedures and fire safety practices, creating a culture of preparedness.

Proactive: During

When fires occur in proactive communities, emergency response is coordinated and efficient. Well-established communication protocols ensure residents receive timely, accurate information about the situation and necessary actions.

Evacuations proceed in an organized manner following pre-established routes and procedures. First responders can focus more effectively on containing fires rather than last-minute rescues, thanks to community preparedness.

Proactive: After

Recovery in proactive communities typically follows pre-established plans that expedite rebuilding and restoration. Insurance claims tend to be processed more smoothly due to proper documentation and adequate coverage levels encouraged before disasters.

Community resilience is evident as businesses reopen more quickly and property values stabilize. Mental health resources are readily available to address trauma, and community bonds often strengthen through the shared experience of effective response and recovery.