Cognitive Factors Affecting Homeowners' Reactions to Defensible Space in the Oregon Coast Range

This study used constructs from the theory of planned behavior and protection motivation theory, along with past experience, to predict wildland-interface homeowners' willingness to implement defensible space and their interest in a consultation program aimed at reducing their risk from wildfire. Self-administered surveys (n = 112) from four small Oregon Coast Range communities revealed neutral attitudes about defensible space as a whole. Regression analysis revealed that interest in the consultation program was a function of the perceived effectiveness of defensible space, past experience with fire, and perception of wildfire risk. Willingness to implement defensible space was predicted by the perceived effectiveness of and attitude toward defensible space. However, these two models left much of the variation in behavioral intention unexplained. Results demonstrate the value of integrating different cognitive constructs to predict behavioral intentions. They also highlight potential avenues for communication campaigns to increase homeowners' involvement in protecting themselves from wildfire.