Commission research in frontline against forest fires
24 October 2000 - 24 October 2000
On 24 October in Hyères, France, results and achievements of forest fire research will be presented to the media in the presence of European Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin.
The European Commission is actively supporting research carried out by several teams from a number of Member States into the prevention of forest fires, fighting the fires more effectively, and minimising their impact. At the presentation, live demonstrations of the latest simulation techniques and suppression strategies will take place.
Progress in forest fire research will be displayed against the background of a summer that witnessed numerous devastating fires. Every year, around 45,000 forest fires break out in Europe, destroying half a million hectares of land, and costing up to several billion euros.
The aim of the research is to promote the development of improved methodologies and tools for forest fire risk assessment, management, reduction, suppression and disaster preparedness. Understanding, how forest fires develop, propagate and impact on our environment is vital for decision-makers and fire fighters in their pursuit of managing and combating fires effectively.
'There are no miracle solutions to natural disasters. However, it is possible to make significant progress in the mitigation of the effects. It is particularly important to bring scientists and civil protection authorities closer together. The research funded by the EU provides a solid scientific and technical basis for defining regulations, for developing disaster prediction procedures, and for managing crises caused by disasters,' explained Commissioner Busquin.For project-related information, please contact
Ms Karen Fabbri.
Fax. +32-2-2963024
E-mail karenfabbri@ec.europa.eu
The European Commission is actively supporting research carried out by several teams from a number of Member States into the prevention of forest fires, fighting the fires more effectively, and minimising their impact. At the presentation, live demonstrations of the latest simulation techniques and suppression strategies will take place.
Progress in forest fire research will be displayed against the background of a summer that witnessed numerous devastating fires. Every year, around 45,000 forest fires break out in Europe, destroying half a million hectares of land, and costing up to several billion euros.
The aim of the research is to promote the development of improved methodologies and tools for forest fire risk assessment, management, reduction, suppression and disaster preparedness. Understanding, how forest fires develop, propagate and impact on our environment is vital for decision-makers and fire fighters in their pursuit of managing and combating fires effectively.
'There are no miracle solutions to natural disasters. However, it is possible to make significant progress in the mitigation of the effects. It is particularly important to bring scientists and civil protection authorities closer together. The research funded by the EU provides a solid scientific and technical basis for defining regulations, for developing disaster prediction procedures, and for managing crises caused by disasters,' explained Commissioner Busquin.For project-related information, please contact
Ms Karen Fabbri.
Fax. +32-2-2963024
E-mail karenfabbri@ec.europa.eu