As identified in the Hazard Mitigation Plan, wildfire is one of the top three risks posed to residents of Marquette County. Community Wildfire Protection Plans were established under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003. That act followed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the National Fire Plan of 2001. The laws and plan were a response to the rising costs of fighting wildfires, as development increasingly encroached on forested areas. Governments at all levels have been searching for ways to better protect the public and to reduce the costs of responding to wildfires. By taking steps to reduce wildfire risk, communities can accomplish both goals.