WHAT

Recovery

In order to truly adapt to wildland fire, we have to consider the actions we can take to help us live better with fire throughout its lifecycle. We can’t afford to ignore post-fire planning. Studies show that costs associated with fire recovery are substantially greater than even the astronomical costs associated with suppression.

Resources, toolkits and learning opportunities exist to help proactively prepare for what comes after the fire. In addition, think about the partners who should be engaged in recovery efforts and planning. From ranchers and animal control services working on emergency hay to collaboratives working on community long-term recovery, there is plenty of work to go around! We will be more successful if the whole community is involved from the beginning.

Considerations

1
Regardless of where your community is with respect to post-fire preparedness, it is essential to consider what it means to recover through the lens of justice. We continue to see how disasters widen existing injustices and disparities. The inclusive planning we do today can make a meaningful difference after the next wildfire.
2
Consider what you can do to support your recovery BEFORE recovery begins. This may take the form of creating a long-term recovery plan or framework, working with local or state emergency managers and other partners, or communicating with local land managers to determine what kind of post-fire assistance may be available in your area.
3
Think about recovery broadly; there are likely to be fire impacts to the community as well as the landscape.

EXPLORE Recovery RESOURCES

  • WHO

  • WHERE

  • FORMAT

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Found 47 Results

Wildland Fire Chemical Clean-Up

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
USDA Forest Service
Information on how to clean up wildland fire retardants, foams, water enhancers (gels) and more. Read More

Wildfires and Safe Drinking Water

Website / Interactive Map
Washington State Department of Health
This resource, for public water systems located in areas prone to wildfires or post-fire debris flows, helps water utilities prepare for and respond to wildfire. Contains checklists and resources as well as guidance for issuing health advisories and creating defensible space. While developed in Washington State, many resources are applicable nationwide. Read More

Wildfire Recovery Graphic

Graphic / Illustration
Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network:
This wildfire recovery graphic was developed by FAC Net practitioners to address the diversity of community and landscape needs after wildfire and to provide a common framework for post-fire discussions. Read More

Wildfire Preparedness, Response, and Recovery for Public Health

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
This resource contains two disaster recovery guides: one for local public health agencies and one for the public related to environmental health problems after emergencies and disasters. The resources focus on responses to disasters which pose a threat to human health, well-being and survival. These guides deal with the management of issues such as shelter,... Read More

USDA Wildfire Recovery Resources

Website / Interactive Map
US Department of Agriculture
This page details the recovery resources and programs that are available to farmers from the United States Department of Agriculture. Read More

Understanding Federal Post-Fire Resources

Blog Post / Story
Brett Holt, Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
Brett Holt is a Senior Stakeholder Relations Specialist with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 Office of External Affairs based in Washington. In FAC Net’s ongoing series of post-fire recovery blogs, Brett helps navigate federal programs, declarations and engagements that are available to a community during and after a wildfire. While this blog focuses in... Read More

Small Business Development Centers

Website / Interactive Map
U.S. Small Business Administration
Find assistance and counseling in your area to start, run, or grow your business. Development centers are excellent resources for communities seeking to create resilience within the business sector. Read More

Safe Cleanup of Fire Ash

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
New Mexico Department of Health
This short, two-page handout focuses on clean-up of ash and debris following fire. Read More

Risk Management Options for Family Forests: Timber Insurance

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Mississippi State University
This factsheet presents explanations and options related to timber insurance for small family forests. A good primer on standing timber insurance and reforestation insurance. Read More

Resident Recovery Guide (Leavenworth, WA)

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Washington State Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
A resident recovery guide for community members in Leavenworth, WA. A good example of a post-fire recovery guide for practitioners. Contains important pre- and post-fire information and contains facing-page Spanish translation. Read More
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Photo Credit: FAC Net Photo Library
Community Profile
Fire Adaptation in the Field
Okanogan County, Washington

When wildfire swept through Okanogan County, Washington in 2014, recovery became imperative. The Okanogan Conservation District began work on landscape recovery, emergency slope stabilization, and more while the Okanogan Long-Term Recovery group began work on disaster case management, debris disposal, and rebuilding. It was difficult to imagine that recovery efforts would be needed again one year later as the 2015 wildfire season eclipsed 2014 in terms of both acres burned and homes damaged. Okanogan County highlights the importance of partnerships, the essential role of equity, and need for robust cross-boundary work as they continue the ongoing process of recovery.

Photo Credit: Leslie Michel, Okanogan Conservation District