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Forest fires are a natural phenomenon that has concerned people for thousands of years and will naturally continue to exist in the years to come. The study of thermal intensity and the release of gaseous pollutants from large forest fires has gained great importance, due to the risks to human health and the increasing environmental problems of recent years. In order to limit the impacts, the application at the strategic, tactical and operational level of the estimates of forest fire simulation models and the release of air pollutants are imperative. The aim of the study is to predict the effects of the thermal intensity and the released combustion products of large forest fires. The study area is Greece, specifically the region of Attica, due to the large residential development that brings about a large number of agroforestry fires. Measurements from meteorological stations were used as tools for the study in collaboration with the Farsite forest fire behavior and pollutant release simulation model. This system allows quantitative estimations of front heat intensity and smoke concentration at the fire front for the safety and health of civilians acting as adjuncts as well as first responders working to suppress a forest fire. The simulations showed a positive correlation of wind intensity with the thermal intensity of the front as well as with the release of gaseous pollutants. Therefore, the system provides excellent decision-making support for the safety and health of personnel (first responders and civilians), from on-duty officers and forest fire fighters at strategic, tactical and operational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the potential effects of climate change on forest fire behavior and the resulting release of combustion products is critical for effective mitigation strategies in Greece. This study utilizes data from the MAGICC 2.4 (Model for the Assessment of Greenhouse Gas-Induced Climate Change) climate model and the SCENGEN 2.4 (SCENarioGENerator) database to assess these impacts. By manipulating various model parameters such as climate sensitivity, scenario, time period, and global climate models (GCMs) within the SCENGEN 2.4 database, we analyzed climatic trends affecting forest fire generation and evolution. The results reveal complex and nuanced findings, indicating a need for further investigation. Case studies are conducted using the FARSITE 4 (Fire Area Simulator) model, incorporating meteorological changes derived from climate trends. Simulations of two fires in East Attica, accounting for different fuel and meteorological conditions, demonstrate an increase in the rate of combustion product release. This underscores the influence of changing meteorological parameters on forest fire dynamics and highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate future risks. Our findings emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change impacts on wildfire behavior to safeguard environmental and public health in Greece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]