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At the parcel level, assessments of individual structures that evaluate factors such as building <br />materials, defensible space, and fuel loads on the property can inform susceptibility at a much finer <br />scale. At the community scale, susceptibility ratings at the parcel scale should consider wildfire of <br />different intensity levels. <br />Combined with susceptibility information at either of the scales described above, the likelihood and <br />intensity data can be used to calculate relative wildfire risk to entire communities or individual <br />parcels. With spatial data for all three sides of the wildfire risk triangle, a metric called Net Value <br />Change can be calculated that accounts for the risk posed by wildfire at different intensities for any <br />location on the landscape. At the community or landscape scale, the Net Value Change metric, and <br />the component information used to calculate it, can support the prioritization and planning of <br />specific community -level mitigation through vegetation management and local land use planning <br />and policy. At the parcel scale, the same information can support landowners in making the right <br />decisions to make their property fire safe. <br />4.2.4 improve Risk Assessment information <br />The importance of high quality, current risk assessment information is critical to the success of this <br />planning effort. Data used in the risk assessment must have adequate quality and resolution to <br />facilitate accurate modeling of the risks. Recent trends in the region include localized, rapid declines <br />in forest health due to pests and disease, as well as the introduction of new vegetation species that <br />have different fuel characteristics. Assessment of wildfire risk also requires detailed, accurate <br />information on development patterns in the WUI, changes in fire suppression resources and <br />methods, and the effects of recent fires. The following steps should be taken in order to improve risk <br />assessment analysis and information. <br />1. Update the Kittitas County risk assessment and include a WUI identification map. Resulting <br />landscape changes from the 2017 and upcoming 2018 wildfire season should be incorporated <br />into an updated wildfire risk assessment. This will require extensive field work and data analysis. <br />2. Compile parcel -level assessment data to inform and complete risk assessment, increase first <br />responder information, encourage public engagement. Parcel -level assessment data will not <br />only provide the susceptibility information required for a complete risk assessment, but will also <br />provide valuable information for fire districts and residents to guide private property mitigation <br />efforts. <br />3. Integrate agricultural practices and infrastructure as part of an updated assessment to better <br />reflect the economy and livelihood of this area. Kittitas County's agricultural economy relies <br />heavily on Kittitas Reclamation District and other Irrigation Districts' infrastructure and <br />landscape to continue to have viable agricultural outcomes in the Kittitas Valley. <br />Community Wildfire Protection Plan 35 September 2018 <br />