Thesis: Khayla "Khai" Saunders

Unveiling Equity: Navigating Preservation’s Response to Climate Induced Wildfires

Climate change has caused a significant increase in wildfires, which is a severe threat to cultural heritage worldwide. This thesis examines the impact of climate-induced wildfires on built heritage and explores how historic preservation principles can be integrated into disaster response strategies. Using case studies from California and Hawaii, specifically The Karuk Tribe, Paradise, Weed, and Lahaina, the research addresses marginalized communities' unique challenges and advocates for policies that promote equitable protection.

The study analyzes the devastating effects of wildfires on cultural heritage and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to safeguard built heritage during disasters within broader disaster management frameworks. It examines California's wildfire policies, such as Assembly Bill No. 38 and Tribal wildfire management initiatives, to understand how policy frameworks integrate historic preservation into disaster response.