Heat of the Moment: Social Vulnerability to Wildfires in Texas Landowners and Latino WUI Communities

In the last decade, Texas has become a wildfire hotspot in the United States. The late February and early March 2024 wildfires in the Texas Panhandle burned over one million acres and impacted major economic and agricultural industries in the region. These events portray the severity of wildfire threats. The future projections of temperature and precipitation patterns show the exacerbation by climate change, natural aridity, and wind patterns, which renews the importance of understanding social vulnerability to extreme wind-driven wildfires. This study employs a quantitative approach to assess the wildfire preparedness, response, and recovery of two key populations: rural landowners in the Texas Panhandle and Hispanic/Latino residents in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas of Texas. Through an expert review, the online survey on rural landowners was designed and distributed for review among academic peers, professionals, and stakeholders in the wildfire management sector. The Hispanic and Latino survey was designed and distributed to respondents among this population living in Texas’ WUIs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze preparedness levels, response behaviors, and risk perceptions across demographic groups. Results indicate significant variations in vulnerability, with younger, female, and lower-income individuals displaying lower wildfire awareness and preparedness. Emergency response preferences, risk perceptions, and awareness of evacuation plans also varied. By noting these disparities, this research aims to inform tailored policy interventions and outreach efforts to enhance wildfire resilience in rural and WUI communities. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to improving preparedness and mitigating wildfire risks in high-risk populations.