In the past, rural communities were typically scattered agricultural operations. During the early settlement of the country, rural residences reduced forest fuels and fire proofed their properties as part of rural fire protection practices. Today, new rural communities are more likely to be residential communities who's residents commute to urban jobs. These rural communities are becoming increasingly attractive to urban populations. However, behavior patterns have reversed, forest fuel loads are often left undisturbed or even increased because of aesthetic or scenic appeal.
New structures being built in the wildlands incorporate designs that increase fuel values.
The 'new' rural settlers rely solely on urban fire organizations such as the volunteer fire departments for fire protection. Forest fuels are increasing in Arkansas for a number of reasons. One factor is the counter-reclamation that began in the 30's and 40's, converting marginal farmland back into forestlands and woodlots. Secondly, the new rural homeowner encourages vegetation development and thus fuel loads, relying on local fire protection organizations to preserve their property from wildfire. Thirdly, some rural 'recreational' communities never evolved into municipal communities with organized fire protection infrastructures.