Wildland–urban interface

The zone where homes and other human development meet or intermingle with wildland vegetation. Its pattern of development and vegetation shapes exposure to wildfire.

Wildfire: An unplanned fire that burns in wildland vegetation. Wildfire can spread from vegetation into interface communities and threaten lives and property.
Wildland–urban interface classification: A method for delineating interface areas using measures of housing and wildland vegetation. Classification rules determine which communities and landscapes count as interface.
Firewise USA: A U.S. community program that supports local action to reduce wildfire risk to homes and neighborhoods. It organizes residents around practical risk reduction in interface communities.
Wildfire risk: The likelihood and potential consequences of wildfire affecting people, property, or ecological values. Interface exposure combines the chance of fire with the people and assets in its path.
Wildland fire behavior: The way a vegetation fire spreads and changes with fuels, weather, and terrain. These factors determine how fire moves through interface landscapes.
Wildland–urban intermix: A settlement pattern in which homes are dispersed among wildland vegetation. Intermix describes one common form of the broader interface.
Defensible space: An area around a structure managed to reduce wildfire exposure and improve firefighter access. Vegetation and materials around interface homes affect the likelihood of ignition.
Wildfire suppression: Actions taken to contain or extinguish a wildfire and limit its spread. Protecting interface development can draw substantial firefighting resources toward structures.
Firebrand: A burning fragment carried by wind or convection that can start a new fire. Firebrands can ignite roofs and other materials ahead of a wildfire's main front.
Wildland–urban interface boundary: The mapped edge used to distinguish interface areas from other landscapes. Boundaries are analytical choices, not always visible breaks on the ground.

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