Large areas of once primarily contiguous forest land or agricultural land are increasingly influenced by humans and surrounded by or intermixed with urban development. These areas of increased human influence and land use conversion make up the "wildland-urban interface." In the interface, local government is severely challenged to address the needs and expectations of residents for fire protection and other services. Former city dwellers often expect the same level of service and responsiveness to which they were accustomed when living in town.
In Oklahoma, the special challenges wrought by the wildland-urban interface were brought to the forefront by severe wildfires that destroyed tens of homes scattered among juniper thickets between Edmond and Guthrie. Rural homes surrounded by trees may appear to be an idyllic setting, yet the wildfire risk created by vegetation under drought conditions requires special attention to reduce your risk.
More information about the wildland-urban interface is available at www.interfacesouth.usda.gov.