A psycho-enviromental analysis of a forest fire: emotions, risk perception and changes in bonds with the place

Abstract

In August of 2012 there was a forest fire in La Gomera (Canary Islands, Spain) that incinerated 7.7% of the total area of a Biosphere Reserve. Approximately a quarter of the population were evacuated. 266 people were interviewed after the forest fire. Pollsters, resident on the island, administered a questionnaire collecting information on impact, coping, emotions and bonds with the place and risk perception before and after the fire. The reliability of the scales was adequate. The results show that perceived restorativeness decreased after the fire but place identity and place attachment remained stable. Other results show that the processes of identity with the place and cognitive and behavioral coping strategies are related to positive emotions, while negative emotions are associated with a greater degree of bonding.