Assessing the Impact of Hazardous Fuel Treatments on Parcel Characteristics and Environmental Justice

Wildfire risk is rising across the Western United States as climate change accelerates fire frequency and intensity. Federal investments in hazardous fuel reduction aim to protect communities, but are these efforts reaching those most at risk? This research examines whether the benefits of wildfire mitigation are equitably distributed by analyzing parcel-level data in the Kootenai Complex Wildfire Crisis Strategy Priority Landscape. Using advanced spatial modeling and fire risk assessment, it evaluates how proximity to treatments influences risk reduction and whether disparities emerge based on property characteristics. Rather than relying on broad demographic categories, this study takes a place-based approach to uncover patterns of access and exclusion. Its findings will provide actionable insights for policymakers, land managers, and communities working to ensure that wildfire protection is not just effective but also fair. If mitigation efforts systematically overlook the most vulnerable areas, the consequences will be measured in lost homes, livelihoods, and lives.