October and November have been a whirlwind of activities, workshops, and collaborations for the FIRE-RES project, advancing our mission to transform wildfire research into tangible resilience. From immersive community training to international scientific exchanges, here’s a summary of the latest milestones.
FIRE-RES at the FireCE Conference
At the FireCE 2025 conference, FIRE-RES project results were presented during a dedicated session about the drivers of wildfire risk, chaired by Jan Pergl. University of Padova’s Francesco Pirotti discussed the mapping and validation of fuel models in Central Europe using a combination of remote sensing and local data, highlighting methodological approaches to improve fire risk assessment. Following this, CTFC’s Erico Kutchartt presented the web–GIS tool designed to support forest fire risk management at a pan-European scale, demonstrating how spatial data and interactive platforms can facilitate decision-making and enhance wildfire preparedness across multiple regions. These presentations showcased the project’s contribution to operational fire risk management and its relevance for European-scale wildfire mitigation strategies
Numerical Wildfire & AI Weather Workshop, Cargèse 2025
From 3 to 7 November, the Institut d’Études Scientifiques de Cargèse (Corsica) hosted an international workshop dedicated to the latest advances in forest fire research, modelling, and fire–weather–AI coupling. Organised by FIRE-RES partner Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, the event brought together experts from Australia, the United States, Spain, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
Over the course of the week, participants explored a wide range of scientific and operational topics, including convective fire prediction models, the behaviour of flaming fuels and associated fire swings, and the challenges of characterising vegetation for propagation models. Discussions also addressed the use of radars and LiDAR to better understand airflows and smoke plumes, the integration of emerging meteorological data, the development of local-scale risk maps, and advances in fire and smoke propagation modelling and atmospheric coupling. The workshop also highlighted progress within major structuring projects such as SILEX and EUBURNE.
According to Philippe Meresse, Director of the Innovation and New Technologies Division at Entente VALABRE, strengthening knowledge, fostering connections with scientific teams, and developing new synergies are key to ensuring rapid operational applications. He noted that these advances will support prevention efforts and contribute to the integration of innovations into the IA-FDF approach developed with DGSCGC and the National Staff. Videos of the talks are now available here.
Final GATHERING IN THE ATLANTIC Living Lab
On 31 October, the Atlantic Living Lab in Galicia concluded its cycle of activities in Trelle (Toén, Ourense). This fifth and final workshop marked the culmination of months of work aimed at translating research findings into practical protection measures for rural communities.
The day opened with a presentation by Juan Picos (University of Vigo) on the risks associated with the rural–urban interface, emphasising the importance of resident involvement in vegetation management, maintenance of access routes, and community coordination. Participants then engaged in an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) training session that simulated an approaching forest fire. The immersive scenario helped attendees internalise safety protocols, identify appropriate shelter locations, such as the community centre, and strengthen their commitment to self-protection.
The workshop highlighted the importance of delivering practical, community-focused training in regions like Galicia, where dispersed settlements require tailored and locally delivered solutions. The Safe Villages initiative has demonstrated a replicable methodology and generated measurable improvements, resulting in a more informed and prepared community capable of responding effectively to wildfire risks.
Innovating wildfire risk management and adaptive planning workshop
On 11 November, a joint FIRE-RES event brought together leading researchers and practitioners to present the latest project innovations in wildfire prevention and adaptive territorial management.
Hosted by FIRE-RES partners Instituto Superior de Agronomia (Portugal) and Instituto Sistemas Complejos de Ingeniería (Chile), the session showcased the cutting-edge tools designed to build resilient landscapes and safer communities in the project’s framework. Participants explored predictive management systems and fire simulation models, including Cell2Fire, discussing how science and technology can transform wildfire management across Europe and beyond.
The event demonstrated how combining data, monitoring, and innovation can anticipate risk, support decision-making, and protect territories most exposed to climate extremes. Contributors included Andres Weintraub, Felipe Andrés de la Barra Poblete, Sergio Rodríguez Fernández, Jose Borges, Susete Marques, and Brigite Botequim.
Bridging Science, Innovation, and Communities: WIC25 Workshop in Porto
On 18 November, CoLAB ForestWISE and the Instituto Superior de Agronomia hosted a FIRE-RES workshop during the Wildfire Ignition Causes International Conference (WIC25) in Porto. The interactive session “Bridging Science, Innovation, and Communities to Reduce Wildfire Ignition Risks” brought together international experts to discuss ignition risks and present FIRE-RES outcomes, from field activities to co-created Living Lab solutions.
The session also launched the FireExplorer platform, highlighting the integration of scientific evidence, territorial action, and multi-stakeholder perspectives on an international stage.