The Mosier area is highly vulnerable to wildfires, with homes at greater risk than 97% of U.S. communities, according to a 2020 wildfire risk assessment. The region's ponderosa lowland habitat and windy conditions in the Columbia River Gorge exacerbate fire risks. Prescribed burns can mitigate these risks by reducing fuel loads and improving habitat health. However, concerns remain about the potential for fires to escape containment lines, which could lead to property damage and liability issues. Despite these risks, prescribed burns conducted by PBAs on private lands have had a strong safety record, with no escapes reported in the last five years.