Syracuse

The approach taken in the Fire Paradox was based on the paradox that fire can be a "bad master but a good servant", thus requiring the consideration of the negative impacts of current wildfire regimes (understanding fire initiation and propagation) and a planned mitigation practice (prescribed burning together with some traditional fire uses) and for combating wildfires (suppression fire). These were the four integration pillars of the project. This Research Report reflects the structure of the project, corresponding to its intergration pillars -initiation, propagation, prescribed burning and suppression fires - and including a closing chapter which synthesizes and combines the main project outcomes. The book provides science based knowledge that can consisit policy makers to develop the necesseary "common strategies" to elaborate and implement integrated fire management policies. It makes extensive use of the science and technology findings from the Fire Paradox project, focusing on policies and best management practics, as well as providing guidelines for the future. The Fire Paradox project (2006-1010) was funded by the European Commission Research and Development 6th Framework Programme. The project included 30 partners from eleven European countries and six partners from Africa, South America and Asia, with close support from International Adisory Committee formed by nine specialists from the USA, Canada and Australia. Fire problems and solutions are found all over the word, and we see the knowledge exchange and benefits of Fire Paradox will extend far beyond Europe.

1/ Introducting the "Fire Paradox" 2/ Wildfire initiation : Understanding and Managing Ignitions 3/ Wildfire Propagation : Knowledge and Search for Solutons 4/ Prescribed Burning : Preventing Wildfires and More 5/ Suppression Fire : a Tool to Control Wildfires 6/ Solving the Fire Paradox - Regulating the Wildfire Problem by the Wise Use of Fire Important Concepts and Terms.