Story map

This virtual webinar hosted by UConn’s Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) will feature Chris Renshaw, UConn Fire Chief, and Emily Wilson, a Geospatial Educator at CLEAR. This session will focus on increasing wildfire risks in Connecticut and how environmental conditions, climate change, forest health, and development patterns are combining to create heightened wildfire vulnerability across the state.

The speakers will explore Connecticut’s wildfire ecology, recent brush fires, and the role of changing weather patterns and housing density in wildfire spread. Participants will be introduced to an interactive Wildfire in Connecticut Story Map and the CT Wildland Urban Interface/Intermix Viewer through CT ECO, which highlight overlapping risk factors and support planning and prevention efforts. This training is intended for land managers, fire service personnel, elected officials, community planners, and residents seeking to better understand wildfire risks and proactive strategies to protect Connecticut communities.