On 4 and 5 September 2024, the Municipality of Kazanlak hosted a two-day training session titled “Application of GIS and Spatial Data Modeling in Forest Fire Management Activities”, under the coordination of the University of Forestry. The town is located in the region of Stara Zagora, heart of the FIRE-RES Bulgarian Living Lab.
The event, part of the FIRE-RES project, aimed to enhance forest fire prevention and response through advanced GIS tools and spatial data modelling. Over 20 participants, including foresters, firefighters, and municipal representatives, attended from across the region.
The training focused on integrating landscape management practices and utilizing GIS technology to prioritize management areas, optimize firefighting activities, and safeguard high-value assets. The program covered both theoretical and practical aspects, with Day 1 emphasizing the FIRE-RES project and its impact on Bulgaria, followed by presentations on management area prioritization and the role of spatial data in risk mitigation.
Day 2 provided hands-on experience with QGIS software, offering participants a foundational understanding of its use in forest fire management. Attendees also explored the model and database for prioritized management zones in the Stara Zagora Regional Forest District, delving into spatial analysis and practical applications for fire risk management.
The training concluded with a robust discussion, allowing participants to engage with the material, ask questions, and consider the broader implications for their work in forest fire prevention and response. This event marks a significant step toward better landscape management and improved forest fire resilience in the region.