Narratives of Wildfire: Coverage in Four U.S. Newspapers, 1999-2003

Abstract

The years 1999 through 2003 were marked by intense episodes of wildland fire in the United States and an increased interest in covering fire policy and practice in the media. Analysis of articles published in four newspapers over this time period reveals important differences in reporting emphases, as reflected in the narrative story lines that defined coverage. Identification of how these narratives came to be similarly and differentially constituted as story lines may be useful for fostering better decisions and strengthening public awareness of serious risks as well as willingness to address those risks.