Advancing Wildfire Preparedness and Planning in Anchorage: Wildfire Exposure and Egress Study

Abstract

Advancing Wildfire Preparedness and Planning takes an in-depth look at the dynamic factors that are impacting wildfire occurrence for the most populated geographic area in the 49th State of Alaska, the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA). The length and severity of recent fire seasons pose a threat to those who have chosen a niche in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area to call “home.” This report is a “call to action” in many ways, delving into some of the swings in weather patterns caused by climatic change. These subtle changes are at the root of the evolving wildfire danger and its effect on the 291,247 residents (2020 census) of the MOA.

The objective of this report is to combine the knowledge of local wildfire managers with some unique geographic information system tools to help analyze and bring a better understanding of what residents can do to mitigate wildfire risk. The lengthening fire seasons, increase in fuel (vegetation) loadings, the upswing in wildfire occurrence statistics and diminishing budgets to provide for mitigation measures pose an increasingly higher risk for the potential loss of life, homes, and infrastructure. Hopefully, the recommendations found in the conclusion of this report will offer residents some clarity as to what should be in the cross hairs of their efforts as they navigate the potentially cataclysmic danger of a major wildfire within the WUI of the MOA.