Findings and implications from a coarse-scale global assessment of recent selected mega-fires

This report studies recent fires in Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Indonesia, Israel, Greece, the Russian Federation and the US and calls for more comprehensive fire management. It attempts to discern patterns in the causal and contributory factors underlying the mega-fire phenomenon. It is intended to provide a basis for more effectively aligning land management policies, plans, and practices across fire-prone landscapes.

The paper notes the likelihood of increased fires during hotter and drier summers and describes positive policies undertaken by the State of Florida, in the US, and Western Australia to effectively manage fires through balanced approaches to prevention, mitigation and suppression approaches. It also describes the benefits of community-based fire management initiatives. It was presented by the FAO at the 5th International Wildland Fire Conference in South Africa.