Europe dangerously unprepared for worsening wildfires, report says

ROME, March 24 - Europe is dangerously unprepared to tackle a growing wildfire crisis, and must overhaul its fleets of firefighting aircraft and step up investment, according to a report. Read more at straitstimes.com.

ROME, March 24 - Europe is dangerously unprepared to tackle a growing wildfire crisis, and must overhaul its fleets of firefighting aircraft and step up investment, according to a report.

The paper - commissioned by Portugal-based Avincis, which leases firefighting planes and helicopters - said the increased risk across southern Europe was down to climate change, falling rural populations and build-ups of burnable vegetation.

Wildfires that typically rage from early June to mid-September were breaking out earlier and later in the year, the report drawn up by consulting firm Lead by Thought said.

'FIRE SEASONS ARE GETTING LONGER'

Blazes were also spreading northwards, added the paper that will be presented at the Aerial Fire Fighting Conference in Rome on Wednesday.

A total of 1,100 hectares burned in Sweden last year, a rise of more than 120% above the recent average, it said. Finland and Denmark also recorded figures exceeding their long-term baselines.