Wildfire Risk & Resilience
From early warning to long-term planning, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory transforms wildfire science into solutions that protect people, infrastructure, and the environment.
Wildfire Risk and Resilience @PNNL.
(Graphic composite created by Melanie Hess-Robison)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) brings advanced science, technology, and systems thinking to the growing challenge of wildfires. Our experts work across disciplines to understand, predict, and mitigate wildfire risk—leveraging deep capabilities in atmospheric science, remote sensing, data analytics, and grid resilience. From modeling fire–weather interactions to deploying artificial intelligence for early detection, we are helping communities, utilities, and agencies make smarter, faster decisions before, during, and after wildfire events.
Our research integrates cutting-edge tools with real-world applications, focusing on proactive strategies that strengthen resilience. We develop scalable solutions for risk forecasting, wildfire smoke impacts, and critical infrastructure protection. By connecting science to operations, PNNL is driving innovation in how the nation prepares for and responds to wildfires in a changing climate.
This report outlines current best practices for reducing risks of power system-initiated wildfires, as directed by Executive Order 14308 "Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response." It includes utility-led strategies for wildfire mitigation, resilience, and recovery, drawing from U.S. and Canadian wildfire mitigation plans, research findings, and industry input. The report also highlights the growing national wildfire threat, the dual risks utilities face, and the economic case for proactive investment in wildfire risk reduction.
Download Best Practices Report
Not sure where to start with wildfire mitigation planning? PNNL’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan Database puts hundreds of plans with critical utility wildfire risk reduction strategies at your fingertips. New AI features make it easier to identify trends, gaps, and best practices across plans.
