This section outlines essential guidelines for establishing an effective Landscape Fire Management (LFM) system aligned with a country’s needs, building upon report findings:
- Organizational Structure: Develop a clear organizational framework for LFM.
- Legal Regulation Enhancement: Improve and align legal regulations governing fire protection.
- Interagency Communication: Enhance communication and coordination among relevant sectors.
- Centralized Database: Create a centralized database for tracking all landscape fires.
- Capacity Building: Address manpower shortages by investing in training and personnel.
- Technical Equipment: Improve and update technical equipment for fire management.
- Public Awareness: Raise awareness about landscape fires among the population.
- Fire Risk Forecasting: Develop a risk forecasting system to assess fire likelihood.
- Vegetation and Fuel Management: Implement measures to reduce combustible materials.
- Forest Resistance Enhancement: Enhance forests’ resistance to fires through species selection.
- Silviculture Measures: Strengthen resistance via proper tree species selection and silvicultural practices.
The majority of fires, over 95%, are caused by human actions. Educating the public about fire risks and enforcing stricter penalties for offenders are crucial steps to reduce fire incidents. Additionally, clear signage should highlight fire bans during dangerous periods.
Risk Forecasting: Use comprehensive data to calculate fire risk, enabling long-term hazard planning. Combining this data with forest type flammability assessments allows for risk quantification through a risk matrix.
Vegetation and Fuel Management: Implement preventative measures such as thinning and cutting in high-risk areas, especially near critical facilities like residential zones and industrial sites.
Forest Resistance Enhancement: Enhance forests’ fire resistance by introducing resistant tree species and increasing biodiversity. Integrating fire protection lines and belts into forest planning documents is essential.
Silviculture Measures: Proper species selection during afforestation and suitable silvicultural practices can boost forest resistance. Removing deadwood, especially deep deadwood, is vital, as it can spread ground fires to the canopy. Address disturbances caused by abiotic factors promptly, and eliminate unused wood products to reduce fire risk.
Adopting these guidelines can help establish a robust LFM system, mitigate landscape fire risks, and safeguard valuable forests and ecosystems.