FIRE-RES welcomes the European Commission’s new Wildfire Strategy

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FIRE-RES warmly welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on an integrated approach to wildfire risk management. At a time when wildfire risk is intensifying, this initiative provides a much-needed, comprehensive framework for coordinated action. In this article, we take a first look, just hours after the strategy’s release, at how its key priorities align with the work carried out by FIRE-RES, highlighting some of the most notable synergies.

© European Union 2026

As the FIRE-RES project concludes after four years of implementation, we see a strong convergence between the priorities outlined by the Commission and the approach developed within the project. This alignment reinforces the relevance of integrated, cross-sectoral wildfire risk management and highlights the value of continued collaboration at the European level.

Anticipating future risks and managing landscapes holistically

A key strength of the Communication on integrated wildfire risk management is its forward-looking perspective, recognising both traditionally fire-prone regions and areas increasingly exposed to wildfire risk. FIRE-RES embraced this same approach by connecting regions with different fire regimes, enabling exchange and mutual learning across Europe. 

This perspective is closely linked to the emphasis on active, adaptive, and sustainable landscape and forest management. FIRE-RES has explored these dimensions through landscape design strategies and the promotion of mosaic landscapes, including the role of agricultural systems such as the vineyards explored by FireWine in reducing fire spread. These experiences demonstrate how integrated land management can contribute to long-term resilience.

From modelling and data to informed decision-making

The Commission highlights the importance of strengthening early-warning systems, wildfire risk assessment, and the use of advanced simulation tools. FIRE-RES has contributed to this area by developing high-resolution modelling approaches, including real-time fire and smoke simulations, as well as pan-European methodologies for fuel mapping and prioritisation of management actions. These tools aim to support more informed, evidence-based decision-making: an essential component of effective wildfire risk management at both national and local levels.

Today’s strategy shows that prevention, preparedness and solidarity must go hand in hand if we want to save lives and strengthen Europe’s resilience against worsening wildfire threats.

Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness

Strengthening prevention through community engagement

Another central message of the Communication is the need to place communities at the heart of wildfire preparedness, particularly in wildland–urban interface areas. FIRE-RES has worked extensively on this dimension, developing recommendations to improve safety in WUI zones and piloting participatory approaches, such as the Fire-safe village model, in the Living Lab Atlantico. Beyond physical measures, the project has also explored how risk communication can be made more effective by integrating social, cultural, and behavioural factors. This includes applying approaches to ensure that communication strategies resonate with local realities and support meaningful behavioural change.

Building capacity, knowledge, and skills

The European Commission underscores the importance of knowledge sharing, training, and capacity building across Europe, including in areas such as prescribed burning and operational cooperation. FIRE-RES has supported these objectives through demonstration activities, training sessions, and exchanges among practitioners, contributing to a growing community of practice. Education and awareness-raising are equally important. Through dedicated tools such as the immersive FireXplorer education platform, FIRE-RES has engaged policymakers, schools, and families, helping to build a culture of preparedness from an early age.

Innovation, health, and new financial approaches

The Commission’s focus on innovation, including the development of EU-based technologies and support for emerging solutions, strongly resonates with FIRE-RES efforts to identify, test, and scale innovative approaches through the open innovation ecosystem established with the Open Innovation Challenge journey.
At the same time, the Communication brings attention to areas that are gaining importance, such as firefighter health and safety, and the role of financial and insurance mechanisms in incentivising prevention. FIRE-RES has contributed early insights in both domains, from research on firefighter exposure to the exploration of parametric insurance solutions for wildfire risk.

Looking ahead

The close alignment between the European Commission’s strategy and the work carried out by FIRE-RES over the past four years illustrates the importance of sustained investment in integrated wildfire risk management. FIRE-RES has helped to test and demonstrate approaches that are now reflected in the European policy agenda. 

Building on this experience, we are confident that the knowledge, tools, and networks developed through the project can continue to support the European Commission and Member States in the implementation of this strategy. Ensuring that these results remain accessible, transferable, and actionable will be key to strengthening Europe’s collective capacity to prevent and respond to wildfires in the years to come.

Author:  Beatrice Bellavia (Euromontana).