ICC helps local governments understand the challenges of
the Wildland-Urban Interface
A growing threat to the safety and security of our communities
is where undeveloped lands meet developed areas—the wildland/urban
interface. Since 1960, more than 40,000 homes have been lost
to wildland fires; a number that is rising dramatically each
year. Local governments are spending close to $1 billion a
year to fight wildfires, while the cost to state and federal
agencies is more than $1.5 billion annually. In addition,
wildfire-related insurance claims are nearing $250 million
a year. The wildland/urban interface fire risk has become
a major problem throughout the United States.
The International Code Council partnered with several organizations
to develop and distribute the 2006 Wildland Urban Interface
Community Planning Tool Kit to county commissioners and
supervisors across the country. The Tool Kit will encourage
at-risk communities to take steps to protect their residents
from the threat of wildfires. The coalition includes ICC along
with the National Association of Counties, International Association
of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council and the National
Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils.
The Tool Kit includes a copy of the 2006 International Wildland-Urban
Interface Code, examples of wildfire protection plans, a guide
for developing protection plans, a list of at-risk communities
and more.
ICC and its partners hope that by bringing attention to the
threat of wildfires today, we will help save lives and property
in the future.
For more information on wildfire safety, contact
Director of Wildland Fire Programs.
