Johnson County’s County Auditor's Office has conducted a performance audit on the growing risks of wildfires for the community. It found the county is a moderate but growing risk to the community and that reducing that risk takes a community-wide effort.

This performance audit focuses on risks of wildfire, reducing those risks and responding to wildfire in Johnson County. The audit outlines several factors that increase the risk: weather, widespread Cedar trees, and development expanding into or near wooded or open land.

The audit notes that smoke exposure is increasing. Since 2021, satellite images show smoke on more than one third of days, often from fires outside the county. Smoke lowers air quality, creating health risks. The audit includes recommendations to review smoke as an emerging potential hazard and take steps to improve attendance at emergency support function workshops.

“Improving attendance at the workshops would better prepare the county for responding to all hazards, such as tornados, floods, transmissible diseases, and extreme temperatures, not just wildfire,” said Douglas Jones, County Auditor.

The County Auditor’s Office promotes government accountability, transparency, and improved county operations through independent assessments of departments and programs. The County Auditor is appointed by and reports to the Board of County Commissioners and is independent of the county manager.

The purpose of audits can vary, depending on the scope of the audit and the audit objectives. You can view other reports on the Audit Reports webpage. You can also submit audit ideas to the County Auditor.