DOI: 10.5061/dryad.xksn02vsc
title: Perceptions of wildfire and climate change in the Western U.S.

description: Media studies have started to investigate how the public comprehend
 wildfire disasters and how to communicate the risk of wildfire to the
 public effectively in the context of global climate change. This survey
 project explores 1) perceptions of wildfire smoke exposure among the
 residents in the western U.S. 2) It also systematically measures how the
 public’s personal experience with wildfire disasters associates with their
 mitigation behavioral intentions toward climate change via emotional and
 psychological processes.
description: Only US adults who age 18 and older were recruited as
 participants. First, quotas for gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and
 political orientation were utilized to ensure a diverse US sample that had
 characteristics similar to US census data. Then, only participants from
 the 12 western states (i.e., fire-prone regions) were included as
 participants. Such states included: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii,
 Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
 Researchers hired Qualtrics, a survey company, for the data collection,
 and the screening was conducted by Qualtrics project manager.
description: # Perceptions of wildfire and climate change in the Western U.S.
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.xksn02vsc](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.xksn02vsc) ## Description of the data and file structure Only US adults who age 18 and older were recruited as participants. First, quotas for gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and political orientation were be utilized to ensure a diverse US sample that have characteristics similar to US census data. Then, only participants from the 12 western states (i.e., fire-prone regions) were included as participants. Such states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Researchers hired Qualtrics, a survey company, for the data collection, and the screening were conducted by Qualtrics project manager. Before data collection, we conducted a power analysis with 5% margin of error, 95% confidence level and 332,403,650 (2022 US population) as population size. We also considered the number of variables. We have more than 10 variables and need relatively big sample size to allow enough variation and valid comparisons across different groups of participants with different demographic characteristics, such as gender, income, education, wildfire knowledge levels, etc. Qualtrics survey manager used screening question “which state are you currently located at” and IP address to verify and make sure participants recruited for this study are residents among the 12 western US states. ### Files and variables #### File: original_data.csv **Description:** The original dataset before data cleaning ##### Variables * Duration__in_seconds_: Response time in seconds * Finished: 1= yes * state: 1=Alaska, 2=Arizona, 3=California, 4=Colorado, 5=Hawaii, 6=Idaho, 7=Montana, 8=Nevada, 9=New Mexico, 10=Oregon, 11=Utah, 12=Washington, 13=Wyoming  * gender: 1=male, 2=female * Party: 1=Democrat, 2=Independent, 3=Republican * Direct_1: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - My family or myself got injured as a result of a wildfire * Direct_2: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Had personal house, structures, and/or property destroyed * Direct_3: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Had been evacuated from home due to a wildfire * Direct_4: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Had work/job/livelihood affected by a wildfire * Direct_5: 0=No, 1=Yes,  What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Worked with wildfire at my job * Direct_6: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Experienced discomfort from the smoke of a wildfire * Direct_7: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Saw the flames of a wildfire * Direct_8: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Saw the smoke of a wildfire * Direct_9: 0=No, 1=Yes, What type of direct experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Smelled the smoke of a wildfire * Indirect_1: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Changed plans for a recreation trip due to a wildfire * Indirect_2: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Attended a public meeting about wildfire management * Indirect_3: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Saw parts of a habitat, trees or grass that had recently burned * Indirect_4: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Saw the regrowth of plants and trees after a wildfire * Indirect_5: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Learned about wildfire in a class * Indirect_6: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Listened to a ranger, scientist, or other wildfire management official talk about wildfire * Indirect_7: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Read or watched TV/video about wildfire * Indirect_8: 0=No, 2=Yes, What type of indirect experience have you had with catastrophic wildfire? - Had family/friends tell me about wildfire in conversations  * Wildfire_hypo1: The severity of the negative impacts of wildfire on me could be largely exaggerated. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_hypo2: It is certain that wildfire will have a negative impact on me. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_soc1: I could be socially and personally faraway from many negative effects of wildfire. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_soc2: Wildfire could negatively affect me much more than other people (“Other people” are not family or close friends). (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_soc3: People generally similar to me can feel/experience the negative impacts of wildfire. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_soc4: The examples of wildfire's negative effects show problems similar to my own. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_spa: The worst effects of wildfire are felt in faraway places rather than where I live. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Attention_wildfire_1: Attention check question unrelated to the study.  * Wildfire_spa2: I think about faraway places rather than nearby places more often when thinking about the negative impacts of wildfire. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_spa3: Many negative effects of wildfire are geographically close to me. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_temp1: Temp_1 - Wildfire is an urgent and immediate threat or risk. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Wildfire_temp2: Temp_2 - I will be able to feel the negative effects of wildfire very soon. (1=Strongly disagree, 2=Disagree, 3=Somewhat disagree, 4=Neutral, 5=Somewht agree, 6=Agree, 7=Strongly agree) * Fear_related_1: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - anxious (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Fear_related_2: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - scared (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Fear_related_3: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - afraid (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Fear_related_4: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - worried (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Sad_related_1:  Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - sad (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Sad_related_2: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - upset (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Sad_related_3: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - distressed (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Sad_related_4: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - disappointed (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Anger_related_1: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - angry (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Anger_related_2: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - annnoyed (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Anger_related_3: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - irritable (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * Anger_related_4: Please indicate how much of the following emotions you felt while thinking about the issue of wildfire and/or your personal wildfire experience. - frustrated (1=not at all... 5= Extremely) * perseverity_1: The health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure are severe. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * perseverity_2: Being exposed to wildfire smoke has detrimental impacts on health. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * perseverity_3: Wildfire smoke exposure is a serious threat to human health. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * perseverity_4: Wildfire smoke exposure causes serious diseases. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * perseverity_5: Due to the frequency of wildfires, the possibility of health problems related to wildfire smoke exposure increases. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * perseverity_6: Wildfire smoke exposure will lead to many health related casualties and injuries. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Vuln_1: My family and/or I will be at risk for health problems when there is wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Vuln_2: It is likely that my family and/or I will suffer from wildfire smoke exposure-related health effects. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Vuln_3: My family and/or myself can avoid negative health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure with adequate preparation. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Vuln_4: Compared to average people, my family and/or I are more likely to experience negative health effects as a result of wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Vuln_5: The place or community my family and/or I live makes me believe we are more vulnerable to health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Vuln_6: My experience makes me believe that my family and/or I are more likely to experience health problems with wildfire smoke exposure when other people experience such problems. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Qsubnorm_1:Qsubjective norm_1 - Most people I know are following guidelines set by the government related to living with wildfire smoke. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Qsubnorm_2:Not considering mask wearing for COVID, - Most people I know wear face masks while outside during wildfire smoke events. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Qsubnorm_3_norm_3_3: Qsubjective norm_3 - Most people I know stay indoors as much as possible during wildfire smoke events. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * QNormbelief_1: QNormative beliefs_1 - Close friends and family think it is a good idea for me to take adaptive actions on wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * QNormbelief_2: QNormative beliefs_2 - The people who I listen to could influence me to take adaptive actions on wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * QNormbelief_3: QNormative beliefs_3 - Important people in my life want me to take adaptive actions on wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * efficacy_1: perceived efficacy_1 - There are simple things I can do that would have a meaningful effect to alleviate the negative health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * efficacy_2: perceived efficacy_2 - I have the ability to adapt to any potential health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * efficacy_3: perceived efficacy_3 - I have the necessary skills to adapt to any potential impacts of wildfire smoke exposure on my health. (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Qgene_effic_10: How personally difficult do you feel it is, in general, to cope with wildfire smoke exposure? (1=very hard...5=very easy) * Action1effective_stayindoor_1: "Staying indoors as much as possible" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action1convenience_stayindoor_18:  "Staying indoors as much as possible" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action2effective_avoidoutdoor_8: "Avoiding outdoor activities, including running, hiking, going on walks, etc" is \___\_ in preventing me from health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action2convenience_avoidoutdoor_18: "Avoiding outdoor activities, including running, hiking, going on walks, etc" is \___\_ in preventing me from health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action3effective_doorclosed_9: "Keeping all doors and windows closed in the place I stay" is \___\_ in preventing me from health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action3convenience_doorclosed_18: "Keeping all doors and windows closed in the place I stay" is \___\_ in preventing me from health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action4effective_airfilter_10: "Using an indoor air filter/purifier, or purchasing and using one if I don’t already own one" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action4convenience_airfilter_18: "Using an indoor air filter/purifier, or purchasing and using one if I don’t already own one" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action5effective_mask_11: Not considering mask wearing for COVID, "Wearing an N95 or similar mask while outdoors" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action5convenience_mask_18: Not considering mask wearing for COVID, "Wearing an N95 or similar mask while outdoors" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) *  Action6effective_pollution_18: "Not increasing indoor pollution in my home by avoiding burning candles, smoking, vacuuming, sweeping, frying food, etc." is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action6convenience_pollution_19: "Not increasing indoor pollution in my home by avoiding burning candles, smoking, vacuuming, sweeping, frying food, etc." is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action7effective_windows_13: "Keeping my windows closed and AC on recirculation mode while driving" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action7convenience_windows_18: "Keeping my windows closed and AC on recirculation mode while driving" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action8effective_index_14: "Regularly checking the local air quality index during the wildfire smoke season" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action8covenience_index_18: "Regularly checking the local air quality index during the wildfire smoke season" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action9effective_visib_15: "Regularly checking local visibility guides during the wildfire smoke season" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action9convenience_visib_18: "Regularly checking local visibility guides during the wildfire smoke season" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action10effective_news_16: "Regularly following local wildfire smoke-related news" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action10convenience_news_18: "Regularly following local wildfire smoke-related news" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action11effective_hepa_17: "Purchasing an air-purifying machine, such as a machine with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) machine" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - effective (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * Action11convenience_hepa_18: "Purchasing an air-purifying machine, such as a machine with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) machine" is \___\_ in preventing me from experiencing the health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure. - convenient for me to do during fire season and/or when fire is in my area (1=Strongly disagree... 5= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha1: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - stay indoors as much as possible. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha2: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - avoid outdoor activities, including running, hiking, going on walks, etc. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha3: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - keep all doors and windows closed in the place I stay. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha4: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - use an indoor air filter/purifier, or purchase and use one if I don’t already own one. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha5: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - wear an N95 or similar mask while outdoors. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha6: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - not increase indoor pollution in my home by avoiding burning candles, smoking, vacuuming, sweeping, frying food, etc. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha7: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - keep my windows closed and keep the AC on recirculation mode while driving. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha8: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - regularly check the local air quality index. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha9: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - regularly check local visibility guides. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha10: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - regularly follow local wildfire smoke-related news. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * adapwildfire_beha11: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - purchase an air purifying machine with a HEPA filter, or an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) machine. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * Generaladapt_behaviour1: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - take some actions to adapt to wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * Generaladapt_behaviour2: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I DO NOT intend to ... - do much to adapt to wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * Generaladapt_behaviour3: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - make some efforts to adapt to the negative effects of wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * Generaladapt_behaviour4: During the next wildfire smoke season in my area, I intend to ... - take concrete steps to do something to adapt to the negative effects of wildfire smoke exposure. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * Q412_2: Before today, how well-informed did you consider yourself to be on wildfire?” (0 = not at all informed, 5 = somewhat informed, and 10 = very well informed). - Wildfire * empathy_climate: How empathetic are you towards victims of climate change related disasters? (1= Not at all... 5= Extremely) * knowledge_climate: I would say my technical knowledge about climate change is (1=minimal, 2=limited, 3=moderated, 4=extensive, 5=professional) * climatehypo_1: The severity of the negative impacts of climate change on me could be largely exaggerated. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatehypo_2: It is certain that climate change will have a negative impact on me. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatesoc_1: I could be socially and personally faraway from many negative effects of climate change. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatesoc_2: Climate change could negatively affect me much more than other people (“Other people” are not family or close friends) (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatesoc_3: People generally similar to me can feel/experience the negative impacts of climate change.(1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) *  climatesoc_4: The examples of climate change's negative effects show problems similar to my own. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatespa_1: The worst effects of climate change are felt in faraway places rather than where I live. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * Attention_climate_1: attention question unrelated to the study * climatespa_2: I think about faraway places rather than nearby places more often when thinking about the impacts of climate change. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatespa_3: Many negative effects of climate change are geographically close to me. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatetemp_1: Climate_temporal_1 - Climate change is an urgent and immediate threat or risk. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * climatetemp_2: Climate_temporal_2 - I will be able to feel the negative effects of climate change very soon. (1=Strongly disagree... 7= Strongly agree) * concern_1: Concern - How concerned, if at all, are you about climate change, sometimes referred to as ‘global warming?’ (1=Not at all concerned... 5= A great deal concerned) * concern_2: Concern - Considering any potential effects of climate change which there might be on you personally, how concerned, if at all, are you about climate change?(1=Not at all concerned... 5= A great deal concerned) * concern_3: Concern - Considering any potential effects of climate change there might be on society in general, how concerned are you about climate change? (1=Not at all concerned... 5= A great deal concerned) * Mitigation_1 Mitigation - I intend to choose a car that gets good gas mileage (this would reduce the purchase of trucks, vans, and Bronco type vehicles). (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Mitigation_2 Mitigation - I intend to install more insulation and weatherize homes and apartments. (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Mitigation_3 Mitigation - I intend to use more carpooling and/or drive less using trains and buses more often. (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Mitigation_4 Mitigation - I intend to replace older appliances with more energy efficient new models (refrigerators, furnaces, dishwashers, and others). (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Mitigation_5 Mitigation - I intend to use less air conditioning in the summer and less heat in the winter. (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Mitigation_36 Mitigation - I intend to switch off lights when not in use. (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Mitigation_7 Mitigation - I intend to buy local foods when possible. (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Mitigation_8 Mitigation - I intend to eat less meat. (1=Very unlikely... 5= Very likely) * Qpolicy_1 Regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant (1=Strongly oppose... 5= Strongly support) * Qpolicy_2 Require electric utility companies to produce at least 20% of their electricity from wind, solar, or other renewable energy sources, even if it costs the average household an extra $100 a year. (1=Strongly oppose... 5= Strongly support) * Qpolicy_3 Require automakers to increase the fuel efficiency of cars, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles to 54.5 miles per gallon, even if it means that a new vehicle will cost up to $1,000 more to buy. (1=Strongly oppose... 5= Strongly support) * Qpolicy_4 Fund more research into renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. (1=Strongly oppose... 5= Strongly support) * Qpolicy_5 Provide tax rebates for people who purchase energy-efficient vehicles or solar panels. (1=Strongly oppose... 5= Strongly support) * TV - On a typical weekday, about how many hours do you spend watching environmental programs on television? (e.g., If you spend 30 minutes, please write "0.5") In your estimate, include viewing of environmental programs such as shows, documentaries, or any others) * Print - How often do you read print newspapers’ environmental news? 1= Never, 2= less than once a week, 3=once a week, 4= a few times a week, 5=everyday * Online - On a typical weekday, about how many hours do you spend on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Tinder, Soundcloud to read the environmental news? (e.g., If you spend 30 minutes, please write "0.5") * Politicalorien_1, What is your political orientation? (1=Extremely conservative... 7=Extremely liberal) * environmentalist, Do you consider yourself to be an environmentalist? 1= No, 2=Yes * pretest_knowledge_1, Before today, how well-informed did you consider yourself to be on wildfire?” (0 = not at all informed, 5 = somewhat informed, and 10 = very well informed). * empathy_, How empathetic were you towards victims in wildfire related disasters? * wildfire Knowledge\_ I would say my technical knowledge about health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure is * wildfiresmoke Knowledge_wildfire, I would say my technical knowledge about wildfire in general is * Q_TotalDuration, Response time in seconds * age_group, age groups: 18-34, 35-54, 55 plus ## Code/software SPSS was used for the data analysis. SPSS or Excel can be used to view the data. Data in .csv format. ## Access information Other publicly accessible locations of the data: * N/A Data was derived from the following sources: * N/A  ## Human subjects data Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the University of Nevada Reno Institutional Review Board (Approval ID: 1873378-1). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. To de-identify the data, direct identifiable participant information such as names and IP addresses were removed.