The aim of this research is to contribute to better preventing and combating forest fires and reducing their impact. On 24 October 2000, results and achievements of forest fire research will be presented to the media in the presence of Commissioner Busquin by some of Europe's best research teams from these countries that are particularly concerned by forest fires. The event will include live demonstrations of the latest simulation techniques and suppression strategies. Every day, somewhere in Europe there is a fire in a forest . Forest fires are increasing in frequency, and are usually manmade, although there are some indications of their possible link to changing climatic conditions.
Forest fires are complicated.
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. The understanding of forest fires, how they develop, how they propagate, and how they may impact on our environment, is vital information 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.