Perceptions of wildfire risk and adaptation behaviour in California

Abstract California wildfires have been increasing in frequency and severity. However, there is a limited understanding to date about people’s experiences with wildfire occurrences, how that experience shapes their perceptions of risk and how it affects their response in terms of actions that can reduce their household risk. In 2021, we fielded an online survey to 1204 people living in California aimed at understanding experience, risk perceptions, and decision-making strategies related to wildfires. We find that 70% of all survey respondents participants experienced poor air quality and 39% experienced a power outage in their home. Other experiences elicited (such as experiencing a school closure, a home evacuation, or home damages) were reported by less than 1/5 of our respondents. A significant portion of our survey respondents has undertaken actions to reduce the risk from wildfire to their household by having air filters, smoke-protecting masks and using informational air quality tools, and investing in back up power. Despite low number of reported prior experiences and the low perception of likelihood for the need to evacuate, a relatively large percent of respondents has taken actions to prepare for evacuation with 41% of the respondents stating packed a ‘go bag’, 32% securing a place to stay in case of evacuation, 35% reported having created a defensible space, and 18% have pursued retrofits to their house. Our regression models suggest that while the perception of risk is associated with action, other factors, such as being a homeowner or deriving livelihood off their land are much more likely to drive people to act. The results from our study suggest that while experience may lead to action, other policy interventions, such as clear communication on risks and consequences for households in high-risk areas, may be warranted to drive further action.