Desert Resilience: Effective Roadway Management to Combat Arizona’s Rising Wildfire Threats

Abstract

Wildfires have become more frequent, larger, and intense in recent decades, with this trend likely to continue worsening. In Arizona, recent wildfires have significantly damaged roads, impacting infrastructure, public safety, and the economy. Climate change, with prolonged drought and extreme weather, combined with land development and past fire-suppression practices, has intensified wildfires, especially in vulnerable desert ecosystems. These fires destroy native plants, disrupt ecosystems, and heighten the risk of road and infrastructure damage. Poorly managed roadsides can also contribute to fire risk by altering native vegetation and introducing invasive species. Effective management of right of way near critical roadways is vital for aiding post-fire vegetation recovery and reducing infrastructure maintenance costs.This study examines Arizona wildfires from 2009 to 2021, focusing on areas where the state highway network has been affected. Eight study sites where wildfires caused  roadway damage are selected based on a range of factors, including multiple biomes, wildfire history and severity, and the extent of transportation infrastructure damage. At these sites, we analyze the relationship between ADOT’s post-wildfire maintenance efforts and vegetation recovery and identify the key risk factors associated with effective roadside management strategies for wildfire prevention, control, and recovery.  The research findings have the potential to identify successful management strategies that can help reduce costs and roadway damages from wildfires, while also supporting ecosystem recovery across the state. The study provides important insights for developing practical interventions to minimize wildfire impacts on transportation networks and promote the safe, efficient functioning of Arizona’s transportation network.