Climate change and increased human habitation across France’s dry, forested region are pushing the limits of firefighters’ traditional “strike quick and hard” strategy. This strategy, implemented in the early 1990s, has significantly reduced the number of fatalities caused by wildfires in the country. However, the changing climate and the impact of fossil fuel pollution pose new challenges for firefighting efforts.
In October 1970, a tragic incident near France’s southeastern border with Italy claimed the lives of 11 people. Fifteen years later, another blaze in the same area resulted in the death of five volunteer firefighters. While such deadly wildfires were once more common, they have become increasingly rare due to the implementation of a new wildfire strategy in the 1990s.
The strategy, known as the “under 10 minutes” approach, focuses on early detection and rapid response. It involves monitoring high-risk areas using lookout towers, precision cameras, and drones. Firefighters, including volunteers, are equipped with water tanks to quickly extinguish fires before they spread. This proactive approach has been successful in reducing the extent of wildfires in the Mediterranean region of France, but the effects of climate change and fossil fuel pollution pose new challenges.
Fossil fuel impact
In response to devastating wildfires in the 1990s, firefighters in Mediterranean France underwent training to combat open terrain blazes. They learned how to manage sprinklers and protect fire engine cabs from intense heat. This training, along with the implementation of the new wildfire strategy, led to a significant reduction in the area destroyed by wildfires in the region. However, the continued use of fossil fuels has contributed to the intensification of wildfires worldwide, making them more difficult to contain.
According to UN scientists, the average area of forest destroyed by wildfires in the northwest United States has doubled since 1984 due to human-induced warming. This trend is likely to worsen as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. The impacts are not limited to the increasing size and duration of the fire risk area but also the resilience of forests themselves.
‘Exceptional blaze’
Despite the success of the wildfire strategy in reducing the frequency of large-scale wildfires, there are still occasional massive blazes that ravage the southeast of France. In August 2021, a blaze near Saint Tropez resulted in casualties and evacuations, despite the coordinated efforts of firefighting teams and aerial support.
In response to such incidents, authorities have recognized the need for prevention measures and more resilient terrain. The severe droughts of 2022 and the devastating fires in other parts of France have highlighted the importance of proactive measures. The Mediterranean strategy is now being considered for implementation throughout the entire country to combat the increasing threat of wildfires.
Dead trees, dry wood
However, the effectiveness of the strategy may be further tested as the impact of fossil fuel pollution and climate change continues to unfold. Climate change is predicted to increase the size of the fire risk area, extend the high-risk season, and create weather conditions favorable to large wildfires. Additionally, the changing climate has already resulted in the death of trees, leading to the accumulation of dry wood and more combustible vegetation in forests.
Addressing these challenges requires a combination of effective firefighting techniques, prevention measures, and the development of more resilient natural environments. As climate change poses new threats, it is crucial to adapt and innovate firefighting strategies to ensure the protection of lives, property, and the environment.
© 2023 AFP
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Climate change tests limits of Mediterranean wildfire strategy (2023, July 7)
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