Fire-Box project launches new wildfire risk atlas in Italy

The Fire-Box project, coordinated by the University of Milan, has developed a new fire risk atlas covering six Italian national parks: Val Grande, Stelvio, Appennino Tosco-Emiliano, Gargano, Pollino, and Maddalena. This initiative involves collaboration with the University of Turin, the University of Bari Aldo Moro, and the National Research Council’s Institute for Bioeconomics.

The project introduces three primary tools for wildfire prevention. First, a national classification of vegetable fuels—including grass, shrubs, and woody biomass—has been established to create an Italian map of fuel types and models. This allows for the simulation of fire behavior and helps identify areas requiring vegetation management.

Second, a national database has been created covering fire incidents from 2007 to 2024. By integrating meteorological data and severity indices, the database aims to overcome the fragmentation of regional data, helping authorities identify causes of severe fires and update prevention plans.

Finally, an online platform featuring interactive maps has been developed to simulate potential fire propagation, specifically focusing on areas where flammable vegetation is located near homes and critical infrastructure.