Project Details

Abstract

Wildfires increasingly threaten communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), where development meets flammable vegetation. As the WUI expands, disaster risk grows more complex—wildfires often trigger or are intensified by other hazards, including earthquakes and severe weather. These compounding risks are particularly challenging in rural areas, where infrastructure is limited, evacuation routes are sparse, and small businesses play a central role in community resilience.

This project addresses two key gaps: (1) rural wildfire evacuation under multi-hazard conditions and (2) business continuity for small enterprises in WUI regions. First, a Community Advisory Board (CAB) will guide the research, ensuring it reflects local knowledge and priorities. Second, we will develop a GeoAI-driven, agent-based model to simulate evacuations under wildfire, earthquake, and weather scenarios, using environmental, transportation, and demographic data. Third, we will build a business continuity model that predicts how rural businesses recover from wildfire disruptions, incorporating infrastructure damage, supply chain challenges, and community displacement.

Findings will inform land use planning, evacuation design, and recovery strategies tailored to rural needs. This work supports future disaster response and strengthens long-term resilience for communities facing growing multi-hazard risks.

Project Word Files