This reference work encompasses the current, accepted state of the art in the science of wildfires and wildfires that spread to communities, known as wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires. 171 author contributions include accepted knowledge on these topics from throughout the world, all written by the leading researchers, experts, practitioners, and academics. This encyclopedia is an invaluable reference for newcomers to the field, as well as researchers, students, developers, and professionals who are interested in exploring this dynamic area. General Sections include: Combustion Coordination System Locations Fire Whirls Firebrands and Embers Incident Management Team (IMT) Support Locations Incident Response Support Locations On-the-Incident Locations Soot and Effects on Wildland/WUI Fire Behavior Weathering Effects on Fire Retardant Wood Treatments Wildland Firefighting Locations Wildland Fuel Treatments

"Wildfires pose a growing threat to communities across the country as development in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) accelerates. This PAS Report offers a holistic planning framework helping planners guide land-use decisions to create communities that are safer and more resilient to wildfire." -- from American Planning Association website.

The 2000 and 2002 fire seasons were, by most standards, among the worst in the past. Many argue that the threat of severe wildfires has grown, because of unnaturally high fuel loads (e.g., dense undergrowth undergrown and dead trees), raising concerns about damage to property and homes in the 'wildland-urban interface' (WUI) -- homes in or near forests. Debates about fire control and protection, including funding and fuel treatment (e.g., thinning and prescribed burning), have focused on national forests and other federal lands, but nonfederal lands are also at risk. This new book explores the latest issues dealing with wildfires, the consequences that they sow and what means are being used to prevent and protect the environment and the local populations. CONTENTS: Preface; Wildfire Protection: Legislation in the 107th Congress (Ross W. Gorte); Wildfire Protection in the 108th Congress (Ross W. Gorte); Timber Harvesting and Forest Fires (Ross W. Gorte); Forest Fire Protection (Ross W. Gorte); Forest Fires and Forest Health (Ross W. Gorte); Managing the Impact of Wildfires on Communities and the Environment (A Report to the President); Forest Fire/Wildfire Protection (Ross W. Gorte)