New Wildfire Index Measures Community Resilience Across California

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - A new wildfire index developed by UC Santa Barbara researchers measures how prepared communities may be to withstand and recover from major fires.

The tool looks at nearly 100 factors tied to wildfire resilience.

Those include infrastructure, water systems, housing and habitat.

Researchers can use the index to compare conditions across different communities.

The goal is to show where areas may already be strong and where more work may be needed.

The findings could help local leaders focus future planning and preparedness efforts.

Researchers hope the tool gives communities a clearer picture of how they may fare before and after a wildfire.