Ravaging Fires: A European Phenomenon Since 2018

In a recent blog post by Vallfirest, the company discussed the severe wildfire challenges faced by Europe since 2018, highlighting the devastating events in Greece.

In July 2018, the Attica Peninsula in Greece experienced one of its most tragic days, with a wildfire causing at least 100 deaths.

This event was characterized by hurricane-force winds, producing gusts of up to 127 km/h, which significantly exacerbated the fire conditions.

Similar patterns of destructive wildfires were observed in countries like Bolivia, California, Australia, and more recently, Chile and Canada.

These fires are attributed to heatwaves, record-high temperatures, and rising sea and atmospheric temperatures, creating environments conducive to pyroconvection.

The 2023 Wildfire: Europe’s largest this century

Vallfirest’s blog specifically highlighted the wildfire in August 2023, which has been recognized as the largest in Europe this century.

Spanning over 90,000 hectares, this fire was the result of the merger of two separate fires and displayed unprecedented rapid progression, covering 45 kilometers in just half a day.

The Mediterranean Sea eventually halted its advance.

Jan Ohmen, a journalist specialising in emergencies, shared his first-hand experiences of the wildfires in Greece.

He recounted the overwhelming nature of the fires, emphasizing their intensity and rapid spread.

The most critical period was noted to be around August 22, with flames reaching up to 20 meters in length near populated areas.

People’s response and international aid

The blog post also commended the efforts of the Greek people and the international community in responding to the wildfires.

Citizens actively assisted professionals, including firefighters, journalists, and healthcare workers.

Firefighters from across Europe, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, contributed to firefighting efforts, alongside aerial support from countries like Egypt, France, Israel, Jordan, Malta, and Turkey.

Spain’s participation was highlighted, with the country sending two amphibious Canadair aircraft.

The Copernicus Emergency Mapping Service was activated in various regions, including North Attica and East Macedonia, to aid in disaster response through satellite observations.

The European Union’s fast response, involving the deployment of firefighters and planes, was crucial in managing the crisis.

Preparing for a safer future with Vallfirest

The blog concluded by stressing the global challenge of wildfires and the need for international cooperation.

Accurate identification of fire intervention points and societal participation in future scenario planning were underscored as essential measures.

Climate change and land-use changes are projected to make wildfires more frequent and intense, necessitating a collective approach to firefighting and disaster management.

IFSJ Comment

The recent blog post by Vallfirest sheds light on the escalating challenge of wildfires in Europe, particularly in Greece.

The magnitude of the 2023 wildfires, their rapid spread, and the concerted international response underscore the evolving nature of these disasters.

It is evident that wildfires are no longer isolated incidents but part of a global pattern exacerbated by climate change.

The involvement of communities and international aid reflects a growing understanding of the need for collective action.

This approach about combating fires and building resilience against future disasters.

The integration of technology, such as satellite imaging and international emergency services, plays a pivotal role in this new era of firefighting.

As we face these unprecedented challenges, the lessons learned from Greece’s wildfires and the strategies implemented by various countries provide valuable insights.

They demonstrate the importance of preparedness, rapid response, and international cooperation in mitigating the impact of such devastating events.

The Vallfirest blog serves as a reminder of the urgency in addressing climate change and enhancing our collective response to natural disasters.