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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Replace Your Vital Records

Website / Interactive Map
USA.gov
Resources for replacing federal documents after disaster. Read More

Recovery Through the Lens of Justice

Video
Alessandra Jerolleman & Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network
This presentation from Dr. Alessandra Jerolleman was part of a webinar series focused on research community-based wildfire practitioners could use to accelerate fire adaptation in their communities. Focused on disaster recovery through a justice lens, this presentation covers the concepts of equity and justice as well as provides tips on what practitioners can do to... Read More

Recovering from Wildfire: A Guide for California’s Forest Landowners

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
This publication discusses issues that forest landowners should consider following a wildfire in their forest, including how to assess fire impacts, protect valuable property from damage due to erosion, where to go for help and financial assistance, how to salvage dead trees or replant on your land, and how to claim a casualty loss on... Read More

Rebuilding for a Resilient Recovery: Planning in California’s Wildland Urban Interface

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Next 10
“California must comprehensively reshape how we rebuild after wildfires—or risk an unthinkable surge in costs and major setbacks to the state’s housing supply amidst a record housing crisis. That’s the finding of Rebuilding for a Resilient Recovery: Planning in California’s Wildland Urban Interface…” “The researchers studied three communities recently affected by fires—Santa Rosa (Tubbs Fire, 2017),... Read More

Protection and Recovery: Disaster Assistance Programs

Website / Interactive Map
USDA Farmers.gov
USDA disaster assistance programs to help farmers prepare for and recovery from the impacts of natural disasters and market volatility. Contains links to approved insurance providers. Read More

Post Wildfire Flash Flood and Debris Flow Guide

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
National Weather Service
“Post wildfire flash flooding and debris flows are a realistic threat in Southern California for homesand communities located within or along a wildland urban interface that has experienced a recentwildfire. It is crucial to plan and prepare for this type of hazard to prevent and reduce the loss of lifeand property, and to develop community... Read More

Planning for Post-Disaster Recovery

Website / Interactive Map
American Planning Association
A resource from the American Planning Association to help communities navigate the post-disaster recovery process. Includes briefing papers, pre-event recovery ordinances and more. Read More

Planning Considerations: Disaster Housing– Guidance for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Partners

Guide / Pamphlet / Handout
Federal Emergency Management Agency
This document provides guidance on national housing priorities, types of housing, key considerations and housing-specific planning recommendations for state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) jurisdictions to use as they develop disaster housing plans and strategies for their communities. Read More

Office of Disaster Assistance

Website / Interactive Map
US Small Business Association
The Office of Disaster Assistance’s mission is to provide low interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery & equipment, inventory and business assets that have been damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster. Contains resources on current disaster declarations,... Read More

National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Website / Interactive Map
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) maintains a comprehensive list of state departments that can help you locate the agency working with insurance in your state. Some states, like Washington and California, maintain wildfire-specific resources as well and most states have support resources available for consumers. Some states, such as New Mexico and Colorado, issue notices, advisories, or fire-specific information for consumers which can... 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