Developing a method for conducting wildland/urban interface fire case study research: A foundational document

This backgrounder document explores what a comprehensive methodology (i.e., best practices) for wildland/urban interface (WUI) fire exposure and impact case studies in Canada might look like. It addresses scientific, operational and administrative aspects of implementing WUI fire case study research and provides a focal point for further discussion. The underlying premise for this Foundational Document is that rigorously examining factors within the built environment that contribute to the ignition potential of structures and property loss during WUI fires is a key part of the disaster management cycle and will lead to improved mitigation measures for loss reduction and more wildfire-resilient communities.

The document draws heavily on the experience and knowledge of an international panel of experts, input from a wide array of Canadian stakeholders and a thorough literature review, all of which identified research questions, anticipated issues and informed recommendations. The document includes suggestions for collecting data, organizing a well-prepared research team and developing a functional system to safely access active WUI fires. These protocols may be applied across Canada.