CPAW News

Read about the latest CPAW events, presentations, and announcements below. You can also read about CPAW activities featured in the media.

Wildfires destroy thousands of structures each year

Wildfires destroy thousands of structures each year

In a new data visualization, explore the number of structures destroyed by wildfire in each state. Since 2005, more than 89,000 structures have been destroyed by wildfires resulting in an untold number of fatalities, evacuations, and personal losses. The number of...

Austin, Texas, Adopts a WUI Code

Austin, Texas, Adopts a WUI Code

New regulations in Austin, Texas, will require wildfire-resistant building materials on new construction.

Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

A new analysis finds that more than a third of Montana homes—nearly 120,000 homes—have moderate to high wildfire risk. The number of homes in moderate and high wildfire risk areas has nearly doubled since 1990. Read More

CPAW Updates 2020

CPAW Updates 2020

August 2020. CPAW released its mid-year program report detailing the year’s work plan, outcomes to-date, and expectations for the remainder of the year.

Community Resilience in the Era of Megafires

Community Resilience in the Era of Megafires

July 2020. Watch a video presentation by CPAW team member Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D., demonstrating how community resilience to wildfire needs to include planning and adaptation strategies for homes and neighborhoods.

New data tool: Communities threatened by wildfire

New data tool: Communities threatened by wildfire

July 2020. A new analysis from CPAW partner Headwaters Economics found that from 2000-2019, nearly 2,000 U.S. communities experienced a wildfire of 100+ acres within two miles–close enough for ember impact. A searchable, interactive map provides details for the entire U.S.

Wildfire and Vulnerable Populations: Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee

Wildfire and Vulnerable Populations: Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee

June 2020. Watch CPAW team member Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D., testify before the House Natural Resources Committee, Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, at a June 10, 2020 forum entitled “Examining Coronavirus Impacts on Wildland Fire Operations and Vulnerable Communities.”

Reports: Federal Wildfire Policy & Land Use Planning to Reduce Risk

Reports: Federal Wildfire Policy & Land Use Planning to Reduce Risk

April 2020. A pair of new research papers from CPAW team member Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D., outline the history of federal wildfire policy and the legacy of suppression and how land use planning can reduce wildfire risk to homes and communities. The papers...

Now Available: Wildfire Risk to Communities

Now Available: Wildfire Risk to Communities

April 2020. Wildfire Risk to Communities is a free, easy-to-use website with interactive maps, charts, and resources to help communities understand, explore, and reduce wildfire risk. It was created by the USDA Forest Service under the direction of...

New Report: Implementation Resources

New Report: Implementation Resources

January 2020. The Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program released a new report with examples, case studies, and resources to help communities to build capacity and fund wildfire risk reduction efforts. The report includes federal- and...

CPAW Announces Communities for 2020

CPAW Announces Communities for 2020

December 2019. The Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program announced it will provide customized services to six new communities in 2020, in addition to providing research and training to additional communities across the country. The new...

Recommendations Released for Four Communities

Recommendations Released for Four Communities

December 2019. The Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire program has presented final recommendations to four communities: Gunnison County, CO; Mariposa County, CA; Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ; and Redding, CA. The CPAW team worked with each community for...

Highlights from the Building for Wildfire Summit

Highlights from the Building for Wildfire Summit

September 2019. Video and highlights from an event that brought together diverse community leaders to explore practices for building fire-adapted communities.

Now Accepting Applications

Now Accepting Applications

September, 2019. The Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) program is accepting applications through October 18, 2019. CPAW works with communities to reduce wildfire risk through improved land use planning. Selected communities receive free, customized...

Montana Building for Wildfire Summit: Registration Open

Montana Building for Wildfire Summit: Registration Open

July 2019. Registration is now open for the Southwest Montana Building for Wildfire Summit in Big Sky, Montana, on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. The Building for Wildfire Summit is an opportunity for developers, contractors, architects, landscapers, local businesses,...