Collaborating on Extreme Forest Fires: Insights from the FIRE RES Workshop at INTERLUMES Congress

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On Wednesday 18 December, the III Interlumes International Forest Fire Congress hosted a FIRE-RES workshop centered on addressing the increasing threat of extreme wildfire events. Integrated into a cross-border cooperation conference between Galicia and Portugal, this event brought together leading experts and local authorities to discuss the challenges posed by these dangerous and unpredictable fires and explore innovative solutions.

Courtesy of XUNTA

COMPLEMENTARY PERSPECTIVES

The day-long workshop aimed at first defining the problem with a focus on the growing threat of extreme fires in rural, dispersed areas of Galicia. The reflection began with David Caballero Valero (forestry engineer and fire specialist at Meteogrid) shedding light on the growing risk posed by extreme forest fires in the urban-forest interface. He emphasized how these fires could significantly impact rural populations, particularly in Galicia’s dispersed landscape. Caballero called for urgent attention to this pressing issue.

The conversation then moved onto the formulation of possible solutions, featuring an intervention by Sergio Giacomo Pirone (Brigadier General and director of the Advanced Training Center for Civil Protection and Mountain Forest Fires in Turin, Italy) focused on training and equipping operatives. Pirone underscored the importance of specific knowledge and effective personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety and efficiency in tackling extreme wildfires. His presentation demonstrated how preparedness and education are key to successful fire management.

Courtesy of XUNTA

Another crucial objective of the meeting focused on the critical evaluation of the current system. To this regard, the Galicia Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Service (SPIF) delivered a retrospective and forward-looking analysis: “SPIF Galicia: Past, Present, and Future.” This session provided a self-assessment of their service, covering aspects from fire detection to operational decision-making. It highlighted recent progress in technology, training, and resources while outlining areas for further specialization.

Key Takeaways

The FIRE RES workshop was a collaborative initiative combining expert insights, actionable solutions, and a critical assessment of the existing systems. It reinforced the essential role of training, advanced equipment, and cutting-edge technology in managing the increasingly severe challenge of forest fires.

The Interlumes project aims at strengthening the operational response capacity of firefighters on the border between Spain and Portugal by improving the existing means of fire prevention and extinction. Their third congress represented an effort to raise awareness about the risks caused by forest fires and to advance the specialized training of agents from different communities and countries. Overall, the day not only highlighted the progress made but also underscored the importance of continued innovation and cooperation in this field. 

Author: Beatrice Bellavia (Euromontana)