The WUI mitigates damage and risk to life and property and reduces the risk of forest fires due to structure fires in hazard areas (and vice versa). Fuel reduction at the interface between natural lands and developments can reduce the intensity of the fires before they enter populated areas within the wild-land urban interface. Research has shown that the most important factors influencing building survival during a wildfire are fire intensity, vegetation characteristics, building materials, and maintaining a defensible space. Strategies for protecting homes from wildfires have been developed with these factors in mind.

The WUI mitigates damage and risk to life and property and reduces the risk of forest fires due to structure fires in hazard areas (and vice versa). Fuel reduction at the interface between natural lands and developments can reduce the intensity of the fires before they enter populated areas within the wild-land urban interface. Research has shown that the most important factors influencing building survival during a wildfire are fire intensity, vegetation characteristics, building materials, and maintaining a defensible space. Strategies for protecting homes from wildfires have been developed with these factors in mind.