Europe is grappling with a worsening wildfire crisis, prompting experts to advocate for a fundamental shift in fire management. Alexander Held, a senior expert in integrated fire management, stresses that relying solely on emergency firefighting is no longer effective. Instead, he calls for long-term strategies rooted in nature, such as sustainable land-use planning, restoring natural ecosystems, and involving local communities in prevention efforts. These approaches aim to reduce fuel loads and enhance landscape resilience, helping to prevent fires from spreading rapidly.
The interview underscores how climate change intensifies conditions like heatwaves and droughts, increasing fire risks across the continent. While the European Union has strengthened coordination among member states, response efforts still occur too late. Held’s recommendations highlight the importance of proactive measures that align with ecological processes. His perspective offers a practical framework for governments and citizens to build stronger defenses against future wildfires, emphasizing that working with nature is key to lasting safety.