Community wildfire preparedness programs are an important means of protecting residents living in hazardous areas like the wildland-urban interface. Different programs rely on various sets of drivers, such as legal enforcement or engaged citizens. Here, sociopolitical motivations and barriers for participation are evaluated in a state-recommended, though not legally required, local program in California (Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones). Through this regional case study, we examine how and why communities do or do not participate in wildfire preparedness programs when given the choice. Drawing on interviews with state and local leadership, the research team identifies motivating factors inducing participation (related to public safety) and factors dissuading participation (related to economic concerns). Following recent catastrophic wildfires, state policy has changed the previously optional Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone program to mandatory, indicating stronger oversight of local decision-making to promote public safety. By understanding the factors driving local participation, higher levels of government can incentivize or require greater engagement throughout hazardous areas to protect lives and properties.

社区野火防范计划是保护生活在荒野与城市交界处等危险地区的居民的重要手段。不同的程序依赖各种驱动程序，例如法律执行或敬业公民。在这里，加利福尼亚州（非常高的火灾危险程度区域）的本地计划（尽管法律没有要求）评估了参与的社会政治动机和障碍。通过该区域案例研究，我们研究了社区在有选择的情况下如何以及为什么参加或不参加野火防范计划。通过与州和地方领导的访谈，研究团队确定了诱发参与的动机因素（与公共安全有关）和劝阻参与的因素（与经济问题有关）。在最近的灾难性野火之后，州政策已将以前的可选“高火险严重程度区”计划更改为强制性计划，表明对地方决策的监督更加严格，以促进公共安全。通过了解驱动本地参与的因素，上级政府可以激励或要求在整个危险区域进行更多的参与以保护生命和财产。