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Need for an integrated risk management strategy for forest fires in the EU

Published: 02 June 2025
Inka besides her poster. Photo.

An integrated risk management strategy for Europe, adaptations to face more intense fires, longer fire seasons and increased risks in fire-prone areas were discussed among researchers, policy makers and practitioners in Brussels.

Inka Bohlin, researcher and analyst at SLU Forest Damage Centre and member of the Nordic Network on Forest and Vegetation Fires recently participated in an event in Brussels organized by Firelogue. The aim of the event was to introduce proposals for an integrated risk management strategy for forest fires in Europe but also to propose concrete recommendations to both policy makers and practitioners.


The event highlighted that current risk management and strategies are challenged by a changing risk situation for forest fires. There is a growing need to adapt to more intense fires, a longer fire season and increased risks in fire-prone areas. Shifting the focus from suppression to prevention is one step.

During the event, Inka presented a recently developed policy brief on forest fire prevention through forest management in the Nordic countries.

- It was a very interesting event and my first time in Brussels. It's fascinating to learn about research developments and how results have been applied in case studies in different parts of Europe. The highlight was definitely to discuss the steps towards an integrated strategy together with fire experts and policy makers at EU level, says Inka and continues:

- As a forest scientist and fire analyst, I think about what we can or should do in the Nordic countries and how practical examples from other countries can fit into Swedish conditions.

In connection with the event, the policy report Changing wildfires - policy options for a Fire-literate and Fire-adaptes Europe, co-authored by SLU fire expert Anders Granström, was also published. It emphasizes three urgent points - 1. Implement climate and land-use policies where the Restoration Act is part. 2. Integrate fire risk into biodiversity and tree-planting plans, to reduce vulnerability. 3. Educate for a fire-resilient society - especially younger generations, through targeted interventions and education programs.

Discussion in group during conference. Photo.

Facts:

Five Key Takeaways from the IWFRM Strategy

  1. Establishment of an inter-agency working group at the European level for strategic coordination. This group should include multiple DGs and agencies to ensure coordinated efforts and leverage synergies in wildfire management.
  2. Development of integrated fire risk assessment systems that include various relevant variables beyond weather. Streamline risk assessments considering factors such as ignition sources, propagation, exposure, and vulnerability.

  3. Provision of guidance for implementing Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) across diverse contexts, including a potential European Wildfire Directive. Tailored guidance will help adapt wildfire management strategies to specific regional and national needs, promoting harmonized approaches. The strategy proposes aspects to be covered such as the development of resilient landscapes, fire-smart bioeconomies or the application of solutions to emergency management and response operations.

  4. Creation of IWRM targets, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and data sets for effective assessment and monitoring. Establishing measurable targets and data frameworks will facilitate the evaluation of IWRM initiatives and improve accountability.

  5. Need for new funding structures and public-private partnerships to support knowledge sharing and the implementation of innovative solutions. Innovative funding mechanisms and collaborations will enhance resource availability for local adaptation and the testing of new landscape solutions.

Policy Recommendations:

  1. Invest in integrated wildfire risk reduction, including prescribed burning and fuel management.
  2. Implement nature-based solutions such as grazing and native species reforestation.

  3. Embrace the role of fire allowing planned burns to maintain ecological balance.

  4. Invest in education and communication to increase “fire literacy” and preparedness.

  5. Invest in landscape management to reduce vulnerability, design and maintain resilient landscape that reduce wildfire risks.

  6. Harmonise sectoral policies across agriculture, environment, and urban development to reduce conflicts and risks.

  7. Promote compact urban development to limit wildland-urban interface expansion.

  8. Encourage sustainable private land management to help landowners adopt fire-resilient practices.

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