Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Wind Tunnel Experiments to Study Chaparral Crown Fires
Published on: November 14, 2017
Toward improved communication about wildland fire: mental models research to identify information needs for natural
Melissa Zaksek1, Joseph L Arvai
1USDA Forest Service, National Fire Plan Office, Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract:
The management of natural- and human-induced wildland fires is an intricate process that must balance two considerations: that of fire as a necessary natural disturbance and that of the risks that fire poses. Reconciling tradeoffs between these risks and benefits is contingent upon informed, directed, and two-way communication between wildland fire managers and stakeholders. In an effort to aid with the design of such a communication effort, this study used mental models research to determine the unique wildland fire information and decision-making needs of stakeholders living at the wildland-urban interface of a fire-prone area. While the analysis revealed many similarities in how stakeholders conceptualized the risks and benefits of wildland fire, many misconceptions and important gaps in understanding on the part of both expert and nonexpert respondents were identified.
Related Concept Videos
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention I
The health belief model (HBM) attempts to predict health-related behavior in specific belief patterns. According to the HBM, a person's...
Applications of GIS: Disaster Management and Emergency Response
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results from...
Naturalistic Observations