Since 1984, wildland fires have burned 850+ homes each year & the number of homes at risk is growing. The primary responsibility for ensuring that preventive steps are taken to protect homes lies with homeowners & state & local gov'ts., not the fed. gov't. The ability to communicate among all parties fighting a fire -- known as interoperability -- is essential, but is hampered because different public safety agencies operate on different radio frequencies or use incompatible communications equip. This report assesses: measures that can help protect structures from wildland fires, factors affecting use of protective measures, & the role technology plays in improving firefighting agencies' ability to communicate during wildland fires. Charts & tables.