Influence of social capital on community preparedness for wildfires

► Place attachment appears to be a significant predictor in affecting social capital and thereby the adoption of preparedness measures. ► Past experience was crucial in encouraging residents to undertake wildfire preparedness and mitigation actions. ► People who perceived higher social capital in their community participated more actively in reducing wildfire risk in interface communities. ► Both place attachment and past experience improved wildfire awareness by encouraging defensible space actions and building residents' support for preparedness. ► Awareness of these factors will assist planners and emergency officials understand why residents in at-risk communities adopt (or do not) mitigation measures.