A new UC Davis study shows that forest fuel treatments like thinning and prescribed burns save $3.75 for every dollar spent, preventing $2.8 billion in wildfire damages across the western U.S. - Analyzed nearly 300 wildfires in 11 states from 2017 to 2023.
- Treatments reduced high-severity fire by 20-35% and total burned area by 36%. - Avoided damages include $895 million in structure loss, $503 million in CO2 reductions, and $1.39 billion in health benefits.
- Prescribed burning was more effective than mechanical thinning alone. The findings underscore the need for greater investment in preventive forest management as climate change increases wildfire risks.