The Wildfire West: Tracking Home Construction in High-Risk Areas

Where Housing Sprawl and Wildfire-Prone Areas Collide

This report tracks and analyzes new home construction in nine wildfire-prone states across the western United States. Over the last decade, tens of thousands of homes have been built in the highest-possible risk areas. The cities and towns included in this report are where human development and wildfires meet.

A tremendous number of new homes are being built in the highest wildfire risk areas. While these areas may be naturally beautiful, they are also naturally combustible. Our analysis suggests places like California and Utah contribute to rural sprawl and do so at considerable risk for more destruction of homes and loss of life wrought by wildfires. Moreover, as the climate gets hotter and drier, the risk in these areas will only grow, as stronger, wind-driven wildfires impact even low-risk regions.

DATA REPORT

The Wildfire West: Tracking Home Construction in High-Risk Areas

Where Housing Sprawl and Wildfire-Prone Areas Collide

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