Risk perception and preparedness in a high-wildfire risk community: case study of Northern Wānaka/Albert Town, Otago

Abstract

Recent projections indicate that climate change will increase the frequency, severity, and season length of fire weather conditions in many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. The magnitude of that risk will depend on climate change mitigation efforts around the globe. As small towns and rural settlements grow and the urban fringe expands, more people than ever are living and recreating in the rural-urban interface (RUI). This in turn means more people are becoming exposed to wildfire risk, and there are more human-related sources of ignition.

The northern Wānaka/Albert Town RUI area has a particularly high wildfire risk. Here we report on the findings from a case study in this area which investigated residents’ perception of this risk and actions they have taken or intend to take to mitigate it.

The research is one of several projects aimed at enabling fire agencies and councils to better understand RUI residents and homeowners’ awareness and mitigation intentions, and to advise on actions that will lead to improved preparedness for living with an increasing wildfire risk. We also compiled a set of wildfire mitigation and preparedness recommendations that individual landowners and communities can implement to reduce their risk.