College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Maryam Kouhirostami, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
As wildfires grow in frequency and intensity across California, understanding and mitigating residential fire risk has become a public safety priority. Communities in the wildland-urban interface (WUI), such as San Luis Obispo, are especially vulnerable due to their proximity to natural vegetation and the prevalence of older housing stock. While state and local agencies have introduced regulations and educational campaigns, there remains a need for accessible, scalable tools that help identify fire risks at the individual home level. This project assessed wildfire vulnerability across 140 homes in San Luis Obispo, California, using a custom visual grading rubric informed by academic research and an interview with Fire Chief Damon Pellegrini. The rubric evaluated ten factors, including roof and siding materials, window type, vent coverage, vegetation clearance, and home age. Each home was visually surveyed and given a score, then categorized as Low, Moderate, High, or Extreme Risk. Results showed significant variation between neighborhoods. Neighborhood 5, a newer and more affluent area, had the highest average score and the fewest high-risk homes, while Neighborhood 1, which featured older housing and more student rentals, had the lowest average and the most High and Extreme Risk homes. Citywide, over one-third of homes fell into the High or Extreme categories. Common issues included wood siding, single-pane windows, and vegetation in direct contact with the structure. The results highlight how structure-level risk is influenced by both physical conditions and socioeconomic factors. The rubric proved effective as a simple, repeatable tool for identifying vulnerabilities and can support targeted mitigation strategies for homeowners, fire departments, and local governments in wildfire-prone regions.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/882
Poster Board
Included in
Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Environmental Design Commons, Landscape Architecture Commons, Urban, Community and Regional Planning Commons