Forest and wildfires are fires in forests and large areas that are ignited deliberately, accidentally, or due to natural causes. They pose a considerable threat to social, economic, or ecological values. Fires can not only completely destroy property, but also release harmful pollutants. Increasing periods of heat and drought due to climate change contribute to the expansion of fire-prone areas and the extension of the forest fire season. Forest fires in turn exacerbate global warming by releasing greenhouse gases.
The risk of a forest fire occurring depends on two factors:
- the local climatological conditions and
- the amount of combustible vegetation in the immediate vicinity of the site.
The risk is highest when the climatological conditions promote the ignition of forest fires and, at the same time, there is a sufficient amount of combustible material available.