Abstract

Aim: Analyze the implementation of physical measures for wildfire risk management in reconstruction processes in Chile and their maintenance over time. Results and conclusions: The results show that the reconstruction processes of wildfire-urban interface areas in Chile have implemented physical measures to manage risk; however, these processes have not always been conducive to creating settlements that manage wildfire risk comprehensively in the long term. It stands out that the measures implemented are sometimes incomplete or poorly coordinated, over-relying on a few measures. Moreover, there is a tendency to densify the areas affected due to the provision of on-site housing solutions for affected multi-family dwellings as well as to new families settling in the area which results in the establishment of more dwellings exposed to wildfires. Furthermore, the poor or non-existent maintenance of the physical measures for wildfire risk management implemented limits their effectiveness long-term. In particular, in contexts of informality, the efforts to manage wildfire risk are less effective. In these contexts, rapid self-construction and informal practices imply a greater re-establishment of vulnerable settlements mainly due to self-built housing reconstructions and the modification and extension of housing, promoting risk-prone behaviors. Impacts for public policy: This research contributes applied understandings of reconstruction processes and key challenges to implementing and maintaining physical wildfire risk management measures, especially in informal contexts. Based on these, it provides recommendations for public policy including: (1) establishing comprehensive reconstruction approaches for risk management; (2) balancing the tensions between rebuilding quickly versus rebuilding better; (3) recognizing self-construction of housing and extensions, improving guidance and control systems; (4) ensuring ongoing maintenance of physical measures for risk management.