WILDFIRES management activities include:

• prevention and preparedness activities, such as:
  • prescribed fires to reduce the accumulation of natural fuel
  • appropriate use of natural or human-caused fire in maintaining ecological values and integrity of certain ecosystems
  • information and education of communities at risk
  • technical training
  • evacuation plans: develop and communicate evacuation plans for communities in fire-prone areas to ensure the safety of residents and visitors
• detection and response activities and resources, such as:
  • implementing early warning and detection systems;
  • monitoring systems
  • firefighting resources: have and maintain a fleet of firefighting equipment, such as fire engines, aircraft, bulldozers, and hand tools, for use in suppressing fires
• adaptation and restoration activities, such as:
  • rehabilitation of ecosystems damaged by or dependent on fire.
  • include the impacts of climate change on fire management strategies and adapt practices to changing conditions

BEFORE

It is fundamental to be prepared for the threat of WILDFIRES to win the blades that endanger ecosystems, lives and properties. WILDFIRES hazard forecasts allow be more prepared, but best practices to vulnerability of the land and lives exposed to WILDFIRES hazard are extremely important. Fire hazard forecasts stands on seasonal weather prediction that and drought monitoring. Seasonal temperature and precipitation trends that can establish conditions conducive for enhanced fire hazard. Droughts decrease humidity providing an aggravation factor for the fire hazard and on fuel conditions.

DURING

Once the fire has spread the needed tools to cope with its threat are: real-time fire and smoke detection and weather conditions. Satellite imaging allows detailed and accurate real-time fire and smoke detection. The National Weather service meteorologists provide real-time weather conditions that determine the fire behavior. Smoke has a high impact on life losses. Scientists are nowadays able to provide accurate information on the chemic composition of smoke and monitor its pathways.

AFTER

Risks posed by WILDFIRES can persist long after the smoke clears. On a burned area, the likelihood for flash floods and mud flows to occur increases. Even a modest rainstorm can spur a flash flood over a burned area. Moreover freshly burned areas have little vegetation to hold top soil in place, and heavier precipitation can mobilize ash and debris into mud flows that can threaten life and property. It is therefore important to have high-resolution storm forecasts and nowcasts. In addition, accurate local terrain knowledge allow to identify when even modest rain storms could produce a flooding threat.

Mitigation options are an important part of reducing the likelihood of fire damage in your community.

• be informed and have an action plan
  • Be aware of when it is fire season, sign up for notifications on fire conditions from local authorities, and take into account increased severity due to climate change
  • Have each family member make a plan including safe places to meet, paths of escape from incoming fire, and emergency forms of communication
  • Gather an emergency supply kit and keep it easily accessible in case you need to evacuate
• Check guidelines and look at specific suggestions on Emergency numbers to call

Check specific suggestions on Dos and Don’ts in the event of fire in your areas depending on whether:

• you are outdoor
• your home is located in or near a wilderness area
• the fire is spreading to your home
• the fire is near your home