Assessment of forest fire risk perception at the fireshed level

Abstract

Forest fires are increasingly affecting forest ecosystems, with severe ecological and socio-economic impacts on neighboring communities. In this context, evaluating the risk of fires at the fireshed level is considered a crucial step towards improving knowledge about fire risk management, therefore, minimizing potential damages of wildfires on people, properties, and natural resources. The aim of this study was to assess forest fire risk perception of communities at two firesheds in Lebanon. In-person surveys were conducted in areas of high fire risk within each fireshed. The analyzed data showed variability in opinions and challenges about fire risk management. Most of the provided recommendations included advocating for the increase of awareness about fire risk and safety, inducing training about fire-fighting and creating networks to facilitate communication within communities at risk.