Vulnerability of structures and infrastructure to wildfires: a perspective into assessment and mitigation strategies

Drawing from historical and recent events, this perspective reports the aftermath of the rise in wildfire frequency and intensity, specifically focusing on the vulnerability of structures (i.e., human settlements and infrastructure) and associated losses. We show that the factors contributing to structure losses are diverse and can span environmental/climate dynamics, consequences of urban planning and existing building codes, and human-induced influence. We also present a few case studies of notable wildfire events to offer valuable insights and lessons on how such fires shaped structures and infrastructure losses. This perspective also shows that wildfire risk can be reduced by emphasizing fire-resistant construction, strategic urban planning, public education, and leveraging technological advancements. Finally, this perspective concludes with an emphasis on proactive mitigation measures to safeguard our built environments and communities against the escalating threat of wildfires.