Climate and Weather Information Services for better governance and risk reduction of wildfires in North Western Europe

Wildfires are an emerging risk in NW Europe, primarily due to increasingly conducive weather conditions resulting from climate change. This work examines the vital role of climate adaptation services to contribute to knowledge sharing and network building among professional stakeholders on a national level and within the region. Based on online survey responses from land managers/owners, forest managers/owners, fire services, and governments, we explore the intricacies of wildfire risk perception and the necessity of tailored climate and weather information for effective wildfire governance.

Our research investigates how climate information services can bolster wildfire risk reduction, emphasizing the development of these services as a knowledge-sharing and network-building approach. We explore how tailored, locally relevant solutions and a thorough process of knowledge exchange and learning can build networks, ultimately delivering actionable knowledge that fosters an awareness culture among stakeholders.

The work delves into the current perception and awareness of wildfire risks among professional stakeholders. We examined their risk awareness, preparedness, and responsibility perceptions, questioning whether experience with wildfires correlates with higher awareness or if stakeholders outside civil protection have lower preparedness perceptions. Additionally, we investigated the specific information stakeholders utilize for wildfire risk reduction, discerning whether weather, climate, or risk reduction information is more beneficial. This exploration includes an analysis of how this information correlates with preparedness, awareness, and responsibility perceptions and whether discrepancies exist between the use and needs of stakeholders.

Preliminary result indicate that the development of a wildfire weather annd climate infomration service may contribute to wildfire governance and risk reduction in North Western Europe. Currently there is high awareness among most wildfire professionals, but that stakeholders do not feel prepared for future wildfire conditions. More than half of the respondents didn't know about the Copernicus EFFIS wildfire services, indicating that marketing and usibility of these products need to be increased. Stakeholders prioritised short-term weather forecasts and risk reduction information above other information.

In conclusion, we argue for the strategic use of climate information services as a means of enhancing the governance of wildfires in NW Europe. By identifying the climate and weather information needs of professionals and examining their perceptions and awareness of wildfire risks, we aim to contribute to the development of more effective, informed strategies for wildfire prevention and management in the face of changing climatic conditions.