Values of the public at risk of wildfire and its management

Abstract

Wildfire management agencies increasingly seek to understand what the public values and expects to be protected from wildfire and its management. Recent conceptual development demonstrates the utility of considering values at three levels of abstraction: localised valued entities such as people, places and objects; valued attributes of communities and landscapes; and core values, or ideals that guide in life. We used a large-scale survey (n = 1105) in Victoria, Australia, to test and extend this framework. The results confirm the usefulness of the conceptual framework and demonstrate that values that members of the public consider at risk of wildfire are much more diverse than those typically considered in wildfire risk management. Relationships between values at different levels of abstraction are meaningful and reveal the multiple ways that objects, places and people become valued. The research suggests ways to understand and practically incorporate values of the public in wildfire management.

The role of collaborative research in learning to incorporate values of the public in social–ecological system governance: case study of bushfire risk planning

“…These processes identified a range of relevant core values (e.g., benevolence and biospheric values), valued attributes (e.g., natural values of landscape and sense of normality in everyday life), and valued entities (e.g., homes, infrastructure, and natural places). Building on the qualitative analysis, we surveyed around 900 members of the public to refine categories of values and understand the relationships between the different levels of abstraction (Williams et al 2018). Using structured equation modeling, we were able to reveal "pathways of valuing" that illuminated how ideals for what is important in life (core values) give importance to specific entities, including locatable objects and places (Williams et al 2018).…”

“…Building on the qualitative analysis, we surveyed around 900 members of the public to refine categories of values and understand the relationships between the different levels of abstraction (Williams et al 2018). Using structured equation modeling, we were able to reveal "pathways of valuing" that illuminated how ideals for what is important in life (core values) give importance to specific entities, including locatable objects and places (Williams et al 2018). For example, protection of infrastructure was important to members of the public because it supported livelihood, production, and sense of normality and, through these, security.…”

Mapping the ethical landscape of wildland fire management: setting an agendum for research and deliberation on the applied ethics of wildland fire

“…Fortunately, there are clear benefits towards an ethically conscious approach to risk. Beyond just enhancing one's understanding of risk, Morehouse et al (2010) and Williams et al (2018) demonstrate that by utilising the varied public perceptions of risk and land value, one gains access to information of strategic importance, and a means to provide a clear avenue for public engagement in fire management.…”

Wildfire risk and response in Jasper National Park, Alberta: Application of an adaptation readiness framework

“…Wildfire management is shifting to include a greater focus on stakeholder participation to understand and integrate public values (Williams et al 2018). Social engagement, including both social involvement and education, is demonstrated in the Park through public information sessions, emergency preparedness seminars, and guides, such as the Jasper Evacuation Guide, the Jasper Emergency Guide, and 72-hour Emergency Guide (CivicPlus 2021).…”