In a recent series of reports issued by the World Bank in partnership with the European Commission, it is suggested that Europe is not adequately prepared to handle the increasing impacts of climate change.
2023 was the hottest year in Europe on record, with weather events linked to climate change costing more than €77 billion[1]. Despite significant efforts by European countries to mitigate these impacts, the reports conclude that more needs to be done, particularly in critical sectors like emergency response services. So what can we learn from this?
Challenges for emergency services
In half of EU member states, fire stations are located in areas prone to multiple natural disasters which has had severe consequences. During the 2023 wildfires in Greece, patients had to be evacuated from Alexandroupolis General Hospital due to its vulnerable location. Similarly, Germany’s 2021 floods rendered several fire stations inactive because they were situated in flood zones.
Focusing solely on the UK, the nation needs to better prepare for disasters and climate shocks, something which is becoming increasingly more apparent and important in recent years. In 2022 it was reported that fire services in England dealt with nearly 25,000 wildfires, four times more than the record in the year previous[2]. Recognising the rising threat and concern, wildfires now sit on the UK government's National Risk Register, acknowledging the significant risk wildfires pose to the UK and urges the need for enhanced preparedness and response measures. The wildfire element states:
Climate change is likely to lead to changes in the weather patterns that affect the UK, with longer drier summers anticipated. This could lead to drier vegetation and more frequent, larger wildfires.
Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) are required to plan for the foreseeable risks in their area, such as wildfires. Through their Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP). Based on their IRMPs, FRAs determine how best to respond to identified risks. This includes local decisions on the procurement of appropriate equipment to meet these risks and help deliver for their local communities[3].
The reports issued by the World Bank in partnership with the European Commission, provide tools, data, and evidence to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. Effective fire risk assessment and strategic planning for developments near urban areas are critical components of this effort.
Fire risk assessment for urban developments
As urban areas continue to expand, the risk of wildfires reaching these regions increases. Proper fire risk assessment can help mitigate these risks. Key aspects of fire risk assessment for developments near urban areas include:
Identifying vulnerable areas: Mapping regions prone to wildfires and understanding the local climate and vegetation types.
Implementing preventive measures: Establishing firebreaks, maintaining vegetation, and using fire-resistant building materials.
Community engagement: Educating residents about fire safety and involving them in creating and maintaining defensible spaces around properties.
Infrastructure planning: Ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as fire stations and hospitals, are located in safe zones away from high-risk areas.
Sharing key learnings
Australia, the US, Canada, Portugal, Spain and Croatia are just a few of the nations that can teach others a lot about fighting wildfires. These nations have developed comprehensive fire management plans that emphasise prevention, preparedness, rapid response, and recovery. They actively engage communities through education and initiatives such as Firewise USA, which encourage local preparedness and the creation of defensible spaces.
Early detection and response are improved by leveraging data and technology, such as fire modelling and remote sensing. Agroforestry and grazing management are ways of combined land management techniques that assist lower fuel loading and fire hazards.
Robust legislative and policy frameworks, in addition to international collaboration and training, enhance wildfire management. We can all take from these learnings to reduce the risk of wildfires and safeguard communities by using such best practices.
Alongside our usual presence at the Emergency Services Show, one of our members from the Croatian firefighting association will be taking part in a panel to discuss wildfires, with further details to follow.
To find out more visit www.ife.org.uk/events. IFE members can also benefit from content focused on wildfires including articles published in the International Fire Professional journal and presentations on the online CPD hub. To access these benefits, login to MyIFE.
[1] https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/europe-unprepared-for-climate-disaster-warns-world-bank/
[2] Almost 25,000 wildfires fought in England during summer - BBC News
[3] assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64ca1dfe19f5622669f3c1b1/2023_NATIONAL_RISK_REGISTER_NRR.pdf