First Advisor

Max Nielsen-Pincus

Term of Graduation

Summer 2026

Date of Publication

8-27-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Science and Management

Department

Environmental Science and Management

Language

English

Subjects

Economics, Forestry, Insurance, Wildfire

Physical Description

1 online resource (xi, 63 pages)

Abstract

Increased costs associated with wildfire activity in the Western United States has raised concern about the long term stability of homeowners insurance. One popular approach to reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire is the completion of Firewise behaviors on residential properties. I explored homeowner experiences with homeowners insurance, and asked if rising insurance premiums and policy non-renewals are affecting homeowners' Firewise behaviors. I surveyed homeowners living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in Deschutes County, Oregon to understand their experiences with homeowners insurance, past Firewise actions, and intentions to complete Firewise actions in the near future. Most homeowners surveyed have completed some Firewise behaviors in the past, indicating that homeowners are generally invested in hazard reduction. I found that homeowners' Firewise behaviors are affected by increases in their insurance premiums. However, the strongest predictors of homeowner's intentions were their past Firewise behaviors, how informed they feel about wildfire, and if they live in an area with building or landscaping regulations. Interestingly, many homeowners reported a high likelihood to engage in Firewise behaviors if their insurance offered them discounts for risk mitigation actions. Homeowners' written responses helped us explain their relationship with insurance. Homeowners reported distrust and skepticism towards insurance providers. Some homeowners reported feeling that their previous firewise behaviors were unnoticed or that their premiums would rise regardless of their actions. My results suggest that rising premiums may play a secondary, or reinforcing role in homeowners' existing intentions, rather than a main driver of risk mitigating behaviors. I suggest that incentive programs for homeowners be explored in more depth as a less financially cumbersome option for reducing risk in fire prone communities.

Rights

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/45129

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