Date of Award
Spring 3-17-2005
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Abstract
Wildfires are causing increasing property damage to communities, as well as loss of life across the United States. There are actions residents of communities at risk from 2 wildfires can take to protect their homes and personal safety. These actions include landscaping with fire resistant plants, replacing home roofing and siding material, and improvements to road access and fire protection capabilities. Such measures can be expensive and low income residents may not have the resources undertake these actions . This study will investigate poverty rates and median household incomes as key indicators of community capacity to reduce wildfire risks.
This paper examines the relationship between poverty rates and wildfire risk in communities at high risk for wildfire in Eastern Washington. Poverty levels of residents of communities identified as high wildfire risk through the Washington Department of Natural Resources Wildland/Urban Interface Risk Assessment will be estimated using 2000 Census data. These areas will be compared to other areas of their counties and the Eastern Washington region to determine whether residents of high wildfire risk communities experience higher poverty rates.
Recommended Citation
Gray, Mark, "Poverty Rates of Communities at High Risk for Wildfire in Eastern Washington State" (2005). EMPA Capstones. 120.
https://digitalcommons.law.ggu.edu/capstones/120