Fire Paradox An innovative and integrated approach to wildland fire management V ICFFR, Figueira da Foz, 28th November 2006 European Projects Session

6 th Framework Programme for R & D Priority thematic area: Mechanisms of desertification and natural disasters Sub priority 6.3: Global change and ecosystems Topic: Integrated forest fire management Framework Integrated project: research / development / dissemination Duration: 48 months (March 2006 – February 2010)

Learning to live with fire The fire paradox  a highly destructive disturbance  a powerful management tool Poor management Fire exclusion (Fire suppression) Fuel build-up High severity wildfire Frequency of extreme weather events Philosophy

The fire paradox Upper limit of fire suppression effectiveness Extreme Very High High Moderate Low Fire danger Pampilhosa da Serra, Portugal, ha, August 2005 Vidauban I and II, France, ha, July 2003

Solving the fire paradox Wildfire hazard reduction and the sustainable development of natural and managed ecosystems in Europe require: fire use (prescribed burning and suppression fire) as a key fire management component transfer of knowledge and technology The main goal of FIRE PARADOX to set the basis for new fire management policies and practices in Europe

A sequential and comprehensive approach Prescribed burning Ignition Propagation Suppression fire Integrated fire management 4 integration axes

Structure: the FIRE PARADOX matrix Domains Specialities Research Development Dissemination Physical mechanismsModule 2Biological mechanisms Module 3 Social sciences & humanities Module 4 Risk assessment and mapping Module 5 Technological development Module 6 Policies & practices assessment Module 7 Real time fire monitoring and analysis of past fires Module 8 Demonstration of Prescribed Burning and Suppression FireModule 9Academic and professional trainings Module 10 Public awareness strategies Module 11 Decision support for policies Module 12 Prescribed Fire Wildfire InitiationWildfire PropagationSuppression Fire Module 13Integration for solving the fire paradox Module 1Coordination

Research Towards a physically-based 3D fire behaviour model Interaction between fire fronts Fuel modelling Fire effects prediction by coupling physical and biological mechanisms Social sciences & humanities Main activities (1/3)

Development Technological and software developments on the various aspects of fire:  Fuel editor and fire effects visualisation system  European Fire Simulator  Hazard assessment tools New technologies for producing fuel maps European field bases for fire monitoring Main activities (2/3)

Dissemination and added value Training on prescribed burning and suppression fire Exchanges between professionals Public awareness strategy analysis Fire Paradox web site and newsletter The Fire Paradox white book Main activities (3/3) Impact on policy making and initiatives related to integrated wildland fire management

Consortium 31 partners in 13 countries, including: Universities and forestry schools Research institutes Fire management agencies International networks Associations SMEs

MAICh OMIKRON Ltd. AUTH UC3M INIA-CIFOR DGESC-GRAF UCM XG-CIFAL UL-UFF CTFC INRA UNIVEMED CEMAGREF EM MTDA ARBOPAVE-UNINA CFVA/RAS ISA-CEABN IST UTAD Consortium

ENFI EFI VTT FRI-FFPL SFI INRGREF WSL UNZ UBRIS UE-SGS UE-DIN GFMC Consortium

Fire Paradox TTC: INCO extension  Argentina Centro de Investigación y Extensión Forestal Andino Patagónico (CIEFAP), Esquel Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA), Buenos Aires  South Africa Silva Forest Services CC (SFS), Sedgefield  Russia and Mongolia Pacific Forest Forum (PFF), Khabarovsk Project extended to 4 countries in the frame of specific measures in support of International Cooperation (INCO)

Coordination Team ISA, PortugalINRA, FranceUTAD, PortugalMTDA, France Executive board ISA, Portugal International Advisory Committee 12 members Local experts Foresters and fire fighters Cooperation with the whole European Fire Research Community Coordination and cooperation

European research  Increased cooperation Forest and fire professionals  Increased integration  Wise use of fire  Enhanced exchanges Citizens  Better awareness and preparation  Safer behaviour Stakeholders  New view on the issue  Evolution of regulations and policies Fire Paradox expected benefits

Thank you ! Fire is unavoidable … but not necessarily a catastrophe