Wildfires are unplanned and uncontrolled fires that burn any sort of wild vegetation, including forested, bushes and rural areas. Different types of wildfires have distinct characteristics, depending on whether they burn vegetation under the ground, just above it or at trees’ foliage level. They may burn mixed fuel, including wildland vegetation, human-made materials, and agricultural land. The risk level depends on whether they occur next to a populated area.

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Only a very small number of wildfires events are due to natural phenomena. Human activities are among the most recurrent causes of fire ignition, spreading and duration.

Understanding the causes of wildfires is essential for prevention and effective disaster risk management.

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Wildfires are a threat to vegetation and wildlife. They can affect people, buildings and infrastructure, the economy and even have an effect on water provision. They also have an impact on Global Warming.

They may trigger other hazards, such as landslides and floods, and have a cascading effect.

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In Europe wildfires are widespread and have been more frequent in recent years in response to Global Warming. In Western Balkan countries and Turkey wildfires have burned thousands square kilometres, killing people, animals and causing important damage to infrastructures, in recent years.

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The reduction of wildfires risk involves efforts from fire management authorities, communities and individuals at risk.

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