Fire suppression costs and impacts of the 2008 wildfires in Trinity County, California

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Date

2011

Authors

Nielsen-Pincus, Max
Moseley, Cassandra
Davis, Emily Jane

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Publisher

Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon

Abstract

Although wildfire costs are commonly discussed in natural resource policy and research, how wildfire suppression spending affects local economies has received relatively little attention. Wildfires can have multiple and complex impacts on local economies. Emergency response can create work stoppages in natural resource sectors and sectors that rely on natural resources. Poor air quality and risks to human life and property can reduce tourism and recreation in areas affected by wildfire. In contrast, wildfires can support local businesses through suppression contracts and procurement of goods and services needed to support the suppression effort. How and where suppression spending is distributed may determine whether the direct economic impacts of a wildfire are more negative or positive.

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8 pages

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