Assessing Drivers and Impacts of Wildfires in Colorado: A Geospatial and Climate-Informed Approach to Risk Mitigation by Olivia Fang and Saiee Brunda Devireddy

Wildfires are becoming increasingly destructive in the Western United States, with Colorado facing heightened risk due to climate change, human development, and limited emergency resources. This study investigates the contributing factors such as anthropogenic activity, climate-induced environmental stressors, and naturally flammable vegetation and consequences of wildfires which include degraded air and water quality, ecosystem imbalances, infrastructure damage, and public health risks.

With the guidance of experts’ collaboration, geospatial mapping, and scientific literature, we analyzed the relationship between anthropogenic activity, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), fuel aridity, and land development in high-risk zones such as the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Our team used QGIS to create original hazard and resource maps developed for Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and identified regions where emergency services are limited or unevenly distributed. We analyzed air, soil, water, and vegetation data to assess the impact wildfires have on both the environment and humans. Our findings show that climate change, in particular, is a prominent factor that intensifies wildlife conditions. 

Some of the possible solutions to minimize wildfire occurrence that are identified here are engaging in prescribed burning, building public awareness, and using remote sensing technologies like LiDAR. Without intervention, wildfires in Colorado and similar regions are projected to grow in frequency, intensity, and scale.

Read the full article below

Olivia Fang & Saiee Brunda Devireddy.pdf

Download PDF • 10.75MB