Wildfire conference brings international experts to Aberdeen
International wildfire experts including representatives from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service gathered in Aberdeen to share knowledge on how to manage and mitigate wildfire risks.
The conference, held every two years in different locations, returned to Scotland for the first time in 10 years.
Michael Humphreys, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s wildfire lead and Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, highlighted the importance of the event.
He said: “Delegates have discussed how wildfires could change, with the potential for an increase in bigger, more damaging and dangerous fires due to land use and climate change.
“Here in Scotland, wildfires are getting bigger and lasting longer. Since 2010, there have been eight wildfires recorded which have lasted more than five days. All eight of these incidents have been since 2018.
“The conference has provided a unique opportunity for international collaboration to strengthen our collective ability to manage and mitigate wildfire risks.
“It’s been useful for delegates to discuss new approaches to integrated fire management and hear the latest research.”
The conference has provided a unique opportunity for international collaboration to strengthen our collective ability to manage and mitigate wildfire risks.
The conference, which took place across 12 and 13 November, attracted delegates from across the UK and abroad, with international guest speakers from Portugal, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and South Africa. This year’s conference theme was ‘Resilience in a Changing World’.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is working closely with landowners and key stakeholders to reduce the risk of wildfires. One of the conference’s organisers, Michael Bruce, Director of Firebreak Services Ltd and Vice Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, provides fire danger warnings on behalf of the Forum.
Michael reflected on the importance of the event and its historical significance. He said: “The Scottish Wildfire Forum was founded at a wildfire conference in Aberdeen twenty years ago, following a challenging wildfire season in 2003, which saw the UK’s largest recorded wildfire—a 7,000-hectare blaze in Ardnamurchan, normally one of the wettest parts of Scotland.
“On this 20th anniversary year of the Forum, it is a great honour to host the 2024 conference and showcase the latest thinking in wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response that is being implemented by land managers and fire services worldwide.
“This information will be crucial to us as we try and build resilience against increasing wildfire threats here in the UK.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Wildfire Strategy, launched last year, is backed by a £1.6 million investment over three years to provide specialist equipment for firefighters.