Planning forest fire fighting interventions: a case study in Veneto Region (Italy)

Abstract

The analysis of the time series 1991-2000 carried out in Veneto Region has allowed to identify both the periods during which the forest fires occur more frequently and the characteristics of the forest fires on regional, provincial and municipality basis. The analysis concerning the forest fire dangerousness and hence the ones concerning gravity and the vulnerability have been firstly carried out on municipality basis and then at level of base area. The base areas, identified through their essential characteristics, are important points of reference to set out the intervention strategies, mainly for choosing the personnel and the implements. For each one of the analysis results a thematic mapping has been produced. All the analyses strengthen the importance of insisting on the prevention activity in those areas characterized by rare but disastrous fires, in which dangerousness and vulnerability could reach maximum values. On the basis of the results the Veneto Region will be able to organise new link procedures with the Co-ordination Centres of Forest Fire Fighting Volunteer Associations, arranged on base area and no more with each single Association. In this way it will be possible to guarantee to the personnel vocational training, machinery and implements suitable to the risk of the area where they must intervene. The results of the study could be used as a condition for the forest fire fighting planning in the Veneto Region, as stated in the national law 353/2000.