Geography Phd Student Wins $500,000 Grant To Advance Research In Parcel And Neighborhood-Level WUI Wildfire Risk Assessments

PhD student Darlene Rini was awarded a $500,000, 2-year research grant with the Joint Fire Science Program on her dissertation project entitled, "Advanced Spatial Data Analytics for Parcel- and Neighborhood-Level Wildfire Damage Assessment and Performance.” Dr. Alan Murray her advisor, will be the PI, with Dr. Max Mortiz in the Bren School as the Co-PI. This study aims to build a more detailed, localized WUI database to conduct data-driven statistical analysis and machine learning to enhance existing frameworks, methods, and tools; to characterize WUI risk more comprehensively; and to better inform wildfire resiliency planning, preparedness, decision-making, damage estimates, and response strategies at localized scales. The outcomes of this research will increase industry knowledge and understanding of the spatiostatistical significance and damage potential of wildfire risk at various scales. This will benefit fire departments, fire safety professionals, individuals, and communities, providing the ability to prioritize, monitor and evaluate mitigations efforts of higher risk parcels and neighborhoods more effectively, as well as inform incentive structures for neighborhood programs such as Firewise. The tools and associated data dashboards will enhance wildfire education and awareness programs for individuals, community organizations and the general public. Project results will be summarized in conference papers, journal articles, PhD dissertations/theses and training workshops for fire professionals (e.g., SFPE, NFPA). In addition, researchers will coordinate with the JFSP Fire Exchange Network contacts to provide region specific findings for distribution to the broader wildland fire community.

The Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) provides leadership to the fire science community by identifying high-priority fire science research needs that will enhance the decision making ability of fire and fuels managers, natural resource managers, and others to meet their management objectives. The program also meets the decision needs of those involved in developing and implementing fire-related policy. The program’s breadth of stakeholders has broadened over the years commensurate with its science mandate; however, the JFSP remains focused on actionable science and tangible outcomes that meet the needs of end users. The JFSP is jointly funded by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service, and is a highly competitive and selective research fund. This is the first time that UCSB has applied to this prestigious program and has been awarded.