FOREST FIRES: Creating a resilient society

NEED FOR A NEW PARADIGM

Fires are a natural phenomenon in the Mediterranean region, however it becomes a serious threat when half a million hectares burn per year. The population is largely unaware of the risks and how to act in case of fire, and in turn, the need to protect people and infrastructures may compromise the resources available for fire prevention and suppression, especially near houses situated close by forested areas. Therefore, it is essential to raise individual awareness on the risk exposure and individual self-protection capacity, in order to reduce the social, economic and environmental costs of wildfire.