Research

Publications

Shahab, S., Chowdhury, S., & Chawdhery, M. R. A. (2026). Community Health and Resilience Under Rising Wildfire Smoke Exposure: A Review of Social Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity. Sustainability, 18(11), 5380. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18115380

Abstract: Exposure to wildfire smoke has been a growing public health issue with the increasing effects of climate change. The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires fueled by higher global temperatures and shifting climate change patterns have left more people exposed to smoke for longer periods. This exposure is primarily driven by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) and other toxic gases, causing harmful health impacts, particularly to the respiratory system and
cardiovascular system. The potential to reduce health effects is dependent on the adaptive capacity of individuals, households, and communities in anticipating, responding to, and recovering from smoke events. Social vulnerability factors, including socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, housing quality, and healthcare access, greatly influence how well individuals or communities can prepare for and respond to the effects of wildfire smoke exposure. Although simple protective steps are often possible, more expensive solutions are usually out of reach for the most marginalized groups, showing that the ability to adapt depends on the resources people have. This review aims to analyze the convergence of wildfire smoke exposure, social vulnerability, and adaptive capacity in vulnerable communities with specific reference to approaches to building community resilience. This study adopts a narrative integrative review approach to synthesize current interdisciplinary evidence on the health impacts of wildfire smoke, associated social inequities, and adaptive capacity strategies, while introducing an integrated conceptual framework linking social vulnerability, adaptive capacity, and community resilience. The findings of this review substantiate the necessity of integrated, equity-oriented adaptation responses, such as enhanced risk communication, sustainable climate change mitigation strategies, and improved access to healthcare and infrastructure. In conclusion, strengthening community resilience to wildfire smoke requires confronting structural social inequities while simultaneously enhancing the adaptive capacity of resource-constrained communities. 

Papers Under Review

  1. Shahab, S. & Cramer, L. “Community resilience for whom? Examining perceptions of wildfire policy in Oregon.” (Revise and Submit)

Abstract: Socially vulnerable communities often have limited influence over wildfire policy development and resource allocation. Prior research demonstrates that wildfire mitigation funding disproportionately favors areas with higher socio-economic status, property values, political influence, or homeownership rates. Following the devastating 2020 Labor Day fires, the Oregon legislature enacted Senate Bill (SB) 762 in 2021, followed by SB 80 and SB 82 in 2023, and SB 83 in 2025, marking a significant shift toward comprehensive wildfire governance and community resilience. Despite its promise, SB 762 has faced criticism for inadequately addressing public needs, particularly socially vulnerable populations, while targeted resilience programs for these communities remain limited. This study examines the social dimensions of SB 762 through an environmental justice framework, assessing whose needs are recognized, prioritized, and supported within Oregon’s wildfire governance system. Drawing on in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including policy makers, advisory council members, implementing agency staff, and voluntary and nonprofit organizations, the analysis evaluates the availability, accessibility, and distribution of wildfire resilience resources. Findings reveal that power asymmetries, complex funding mechanisms, limited administrative capacity, low institutional trust, weak community–agency relationships, and narrow program delivery mechanisms shape policy outcomes for socially vulnerable populations and perpetuate structural inequalities. The study demonstrates that justice in wildfire resilience depends on an iterative governance process that institutionalizes inclusive participation, ensures equitable allocation of resources, recognizes differentiated community needs, and sustained long-term funding.

Working Papers

1. Shahab, S., Hall, T., Tamplin, S. Wolters, E., & Dunn, C. “Between Perception and Reality:Comparing Subjective Risk and Objective Exposure to Wildfire Among Forest Neighbors.” (Draft)

Abstract: The intensification of wildfire in Oregon underscores the importance of understanding how residents perceive their wildfire risk, as their perceptions guide preparedness decisions,mitigation behaviors, and support for fire-management policies. Many studies have examined perceived wildfire risk without considering the role of biophysical factors related to actual wildfire exposure. To improve outreach about wildfire risk and to enhance household-level risk reduction actions, studies should include objective as well as subjective factors. We adopt a holistic approach including both survey and geospatial data to assess the extent to which residents’ perceived wildfire risk corresponds to their risk as assessed through objective parcel-level wildfire exposure factors. Our model also included social,experiential, and demographic factors that have been shown to shape how risk is perceived. Analysis of paired survey and GIS data for 102 homes near McDonald-Dunn Forest in Oregon revealed a gap between the objective reality of wildfire exposure and residents’ perception of their own wildfire risk. Additionally, residents’ risk perception was not predicted by biophysical factors; rather, subjective and experiential variables were consistently the strongest predictors across models. This discrepancy highlights potential communication gaps, as people’s perceptions are not aligned with scientifically modeled wildfire exposure. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of residents’ perceptions of wildfire risk and a foundation for improving wildfire risk communication strategies and outreach programs.

2. Shahab, S., Cramer, L. & Wolters, E., “Household-level Social Vulnerabilities’ Influence on Community Resilience to Wildfire.” This work is supported by the Western Rural Development Center, project award no. 2023-51150-43839, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (Draft)

Abstract: Wildfires are an escalating environmental challenge for rural communities in the western United States. These wildfire events often exacerbate preexisting unequal conditions among rural communities by severely affecting their ability to withstand and recover from these disasters. Research shows that rural and historically underrepresented populations disproportionately experience wildfire impacts due to differences in community resilience shaped by cultural, economic, institutional, political, and social factors. Despite this, wildfire resilience planning remains largely biophysically driven and frequently overlooks household-level social vulnerability, particularly among non-homeowners (e.g., renters), resulting in inequitable resilience. This study addresses this gap by examining whether household-level social vulnerabilities influence wildfire preparedness and community resilience in rural Oregon. Specifically, it (1) measures wildfire preparedness among renters and homeowners, (2) identifies social vulnerability factors affecting preparedness, and (3) integrates preparedness and vulnerability data to generate community-level resilience scores. Using a quantitative, survey-based design grounded in the hazards-of-place framework, this study represents the first household-level, survey-based assessment of wildfire preparedness disparities between homeowners and renters in rural Oregon. Comparative analyses reveal disparities within and across rural communities, while resilience scores highlight variation in communities’ capacity to withstand and recover from wildfire events. Overall, the findings inform place-based wildfire resilience planning that integrates social, cultural and economic realities to reduce vulnerabilities, improve preparedness, and strengthen recovery capacity in rural communities.

3. Shahab, S. & Cramer, L. “Understanding Wildfire Evacuation Behavior and Emergency Communication Preferences to Strengthen Place-Based Fire Adaptation in Southern Oregon.” Funding: Western Fire Chiefs Association. (Draft)

Abstract: With the gradual expansion of the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), wildfire evacuation has become a complex process in western states. Recent wildfires in these regions have resulted in numerous fatalities and the evacuation of large populations. Although evacuation is considered as one of the safest options for ensuring community safety, surprisingly, many of these fatalities and injuries have occurred during the evacuation process itself. This is often due to the fact that residents sometimes delay evacuation based on their personal preferences or contextual situation. Another common reason for being unable to evacuate safely
due to late warnings or inadequate preparation. This paper presents results from an empirical study examining wildfire evacuation behavior among residents in Douglas and Jackson Counties, Oregon. Through a self-reported survey, the study analyzes the relationship between evacuation choices and household preparedness, socioeconomic characteristics, and preferred communication methods. By moving beyond the traditional binary “evacuate or stay” framework, this research highlights the diversity of evacuation choices and reveals how these choices differ across distinct groups of residents. Findings support the development of more locally grounded, culturally relevant, and socially responsive evacuation and emergency communication plans.