Influence of fuel data assumptions on wildfire exposure assessment of the built environment

Abstract

Background Land cover information is routinely used to represent fuel conditions in wildfire hazard, risk and exposure assessments. Readily available land cover data options that vary in resolution, extent, cost and purpose of collection have become increasingly accessible in recent years. Aim This study investigates the sensitivity of community-scale wildfire exposure assessments to different land cover information products used to identify hazardous fuel. Methods Ten versions of a community wildfire exposure assessment were conducted for each of five case study locations in Alberta, Canada, by varying the input land cover data. Proportional and spatial distribution of hazardous fuels and classified exposure are compared across datasets and communities. Key results We found proportional and spatial variation of exposure values between datasets within each community, but the nature of this variation differed between communities. Land cover classification definitions and scale were important factors that led to inconsistencies in assessment results. Conclusions Readily available land cover information products may not be suitable for exposure assessments at a localised scale without consideration of unique context and local knowledge of the assessment area. Implications Results may inform fuel data selection considerations for improved results in various wildfire applications at localised scales.