Demand for Information by U.S. Southwest Wildland Fire Managers

This thesis investigates the demand for information among wildland fire managers in the U.S. Southwest, focusing on their use of data products and information sources. Utilizing data from a comprehensive, internet survey, targeting a well-defined and small population of Southwest wildland fire managers, the study explores how fire managers use information to make decisions. The findings reveal that information use is significantly influenced by the number of decisions managers make and whether decisions are made before or during season. Information use is affected by manager characteristics such as their education, age, experience, and job type. It is also affected by the agencies they work for as well as the dispatch centers where they work. Finally, information use depends on the characteristics of
the information sources. The study employs least squares, negative binomial, logistic, and linear probability regression models to analyze these factors. Results indicate that tailored fire-specific information sources are more likely to be used than general ones, while use of
decision support tools are less likely to be used. The study provides valuable insights for improving the design and delivery of information products, thereby enhancing decisionmaking efficiency in wildfire management.
Keywords: Wildland fire management, information demand, random utility model

Zhang, Ning Thesis Final.pdf (1.14 MB)

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