US Forest Service highlights wildfire risk mapping at Missoula Fire Lab

In the heart of Missoula, a gathering of community leaders and experts sparked a vital conversation about wildfire preparedness and resilience. As the city faces increasing threats from wildfires, the June 2025 City Club meeting served as a platform for innovative ideas and collaborative efforts aimed at safeguarding homes and neighborhoods.

Kimmy, a passionate advocate for community initiatives, emphasized the importance of investing in local partnerships like Missoula Ready and Wildfire Ready Missoula. "We need to lean into those community efforts," she urged, highlighting the urgency of taking action in the absence of federal support. Her vision for the future is clear: homes should be built using the best materials and engineering practices to withstand wildfires, steering away from outdated methods that no longer serve the community's needs.

Following her remarks, a representative from the U.S. Forest Service at the Missoula Fire Lab took the stage, sharing insights into how scientific research is being transformed into practical tools for wildfire risk assessment. With a history of fire science expertise, Missoula has become a hub for understanding wildfire behavior. The speaker explained how simulation models are used to predict wildfire hazards, combining data on topography, weather, and vegetation to create detailed maps of risk across the landscape.

These maps, produced every few years, are crucial for informing local policies and prioritizing fire management efforts. The collaboration between the Forest Service and local organizations has led to the creation of a user-friendly website, wildfirerisk.org, which provides essential information to the public, local officials, and fire managers. This initiative aims to empower communities with knowledge about their specific wildfire risks, enabling them to make informed decisions about safety and preparedness.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of urgency and collaboration among participants was palpable. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to building a safer, more resilient Missoula, where innovative thinking and community partnerships pave the way for a brighter future in the face of wildfire challenges. The path forward is clear: by investing in local efforts and leveraging scientific expertise, Missoula can lead the way in wildfire preparedness and community resilience.