Cost Estimation Framework for Optimal Retrofit Planning to Mitigate Residential Building Vulnerability to Wildfires

Abstract

Communities near forests are vulnerable to wildfires. Retrofit measures to reduce the vulnerability of residential buildings to wildfire include improvements that hinder, mitigate, or prevent damage from wildfire heat and embers to building exteriors and within the parcel limits. The objective of this study is to provide a cost model for optimal retrofit planning for residential properties by integrating multiattribute vulnerability rating systems, on-site wildfire vulnerability assessments, property characteristics, and uncertainty in homeowner preferences. Integer programming is used to find the optimal combination of retrofit activities that leads to the minimum vulnerability mitigation cost for 389 residential properties in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A cost model is derived for wildfire retrofit planning for residential properties. Although this study was conducted on a specific study area, the framework introduced in this study presents a planning tool for large-scale retrofit planning for urban or suburban buildings that can be used and adapted for other types of natural hazards and in other communities.