Population trends in the late 20^th century have set the stage for more fire-related disasters. Many people are leaving cities and making their homes near wild places. Public safety officials and natural resource managers are concerned about a new phenomenon, the Wildland/Urban Interface. In this zone, homes are interspersed with undeveloped land, creating a potentially volatile situation. As more people choose to live in rural areas, safely managing fire on the natural landscape is becoming more difficult, and more crucial.

Recurring tragic fires in the West and South have focused attention on those areas as “tinder boxes.” However, the Midwest also has a buildup of dead vegetation that could fuel a catastrophic wildfire. When drought hits this area, the homes of millions could be in jeopardy. We should take action now to prevent loss of life and property, while maintaining the natural landscape.