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.
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.
