Fires are one of Europe’s major natural disturbances, and their changing patterns (frequency, extension, recurrence) have been reported elsewhere. However, most studies focus on particular areas, specific years or cover only certain administrative regions (e.g. analysis at a national level). Therefore, extending this analysis to the entire geographic coverage of Europe would allow identifying regional specificities related to climatic zones and ecosystems relevant to an integrated European policy._x000D_
The European Forest Fire Information System already provides homogenous information on wildfires since 2000 based on satellite images from MODIS and Sentinel. We have compiled wildfire information from EFFIS for 2000 – 2022 at a 300 x 300 m grid for Europe. The data collected includes the extent and the date of the fire. Moreover, the complete workflow from data collection to indicators and map production has been automatised for future yearly updates._x000D_
We have found a consistent pattern of extending the fire season towards September. In parallel, wildfires in winter become more frequent in certain mountain areas. _x000D_
Several hot spots in Europe pose a serious threat to habitat recovery. These areas are characterised by their recurrence (in extreme cases, a fire every four years) and are usually associated with medium-sized fires. Most of these hot spots are located in the Mediterranean region, although significant differences related to socio-economic and cultural aspects are found within this region. _x000D_
More than 50% of Natura 2000 sites have been affected by fires. However, understanding its impact on biodiversity requires integrating local information since this is context specific._x000D_
We conclude that our approach provides a consistent methodology to understand changes and potential impacts of fires in Europe to support policies that require context-specific information._x000D_

Raquel Ubach; Jaume Fons-Esteve
DEpartament de Geografia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

 
ID Abstract: 437