National Forest Fire Risk Map

Dimitrios ALEXANDRIS

Head of Natural Disaster Planning, Prevention & Response Department

GENERAL SECRETARIAT FOR CIVIL PROTECTION

Presentation Contents

• GSCP and Forest Fires• Forest Fire Danger in Greece• National Forest Fire Risk Map

• The experts team• Data / Methodology• Forest Fire Risk Map

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GENERAL SECRETARIAT FOR CIVIL PROTECTION

GSCP and Forest Fires

The mission of General Secretariat of Civil Protection of Greece is the planning and setting-up of the policy in matters of management of natural disasters and informing the public, as well as the coordination of all action forces related to Civil Protection

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Early Warning Fire Risk Map

Consequences management

Activate Civil Protection Forces

International Assistance (MIC)

Support Suppression

Efforts

National forces

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Forest Fire Danger in Greece

Greece is a Mediterranean country witha fire prone environment.

Forest fires represent an important danger for the citizens and the environment during summer

According to Decree-Law 575/1980, Greece was classified in 3 danger zones.

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Land cover in Greece

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~50% wooded area(Forests, Bushlands,Grasslands)

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National Forest Fire Risk Map

The experts team

A workgroup of fire experts (foresters) and meteorologists has been formed in General Secretariat for Civil Protection that issues the

fire danger map during summer on a daily basis

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Data/Methodology

Daily Risk Map

Dynamic Estimation

Meteorological Data

Vegetation Data

Static Estimation

Social-Economic

Parameters

Forest Fires History /

Statistic Data

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Meteorological Data

Real time and forecast

• Precipitation• Temperature

• Humidity• Wind (intensity – direction)

• Cloudiness• Lightning activity

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On line weather data - HNMS

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Relative Humidity forecast - HNMS

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Surface wind - HNMS

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General Secretariat Civil Protection

Radar and meteorological stations

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Daily number of forest fires

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Vegetation Data

• Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps

• Vegetation stress of index plants

• On site measurements / observations

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Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) maps

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On site observations

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APRIL 2007

JUNE 2007

On site observations

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15-31 July 15-31 August

Statistical Analysis (2003-2009)

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National Forest Fire Risk Map

Forest Fire Risk Map

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This thematic map represented 5 risk levels estimated for each geographic area

in Greece.

Map preparation was completed until 12:30 of the previous day for which it was

standing for. Risk Levels

1. Very Low (green)2. Low (blue)3. Medium (yellow)4. High (orange)5. Extreme (red)

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The forest fire risk map aims to:

• Raise people awareness: When “very high” or “extreme” conditions for forest fires are forecast, GSCP issue newsletter in the media, suggesting to- be careful with open fire or other outdoors activities causing fire

- take self protecting measures in case of a forest fire

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The forest fire risk map aims to:

• Raise the National Authorities preparedness:According to forest fire risk map, the component authorities raise their level of preparedness: -Dissemination of means and personnel-Increase of forest patrols

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The area where the fire started: Very High risk

level

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1st fire

2nd fire

3nd fire

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www.civilprotection.gr