Paradise Nature-Based Fire Resilience Project

This project explored the potential of using Wildfire Risk Reduction Buffers (WRRBs) between the urban area and the wildlands for fire risk reduction. The team selected Paradise, CA as its prioritization site due to its fire risk, opportunity, and recreation value. They created five buffers totaling 34,553 acres and conduct habitat-sensitive fuel reduction and open space management, including greenbelt construction, prescribed burning, invasive plant management, and improved grazing. The project illustrated the effectiveness of WRRBS in urban ignition risk reduction and their potential to also serve as recreational spaces, emergency refuges, and staging area for fire-fighting.