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In this paper, research on the relationship between forest fires and meteorology is carried out using simple meteorological variables (temperature, wind, and precipitation) from a few well-selected Greek meteorological stations. The 5 years (1998, 2000, 2007, 2012, and 2021) which recorded burnt areas for more than the 25-year average (37,000 ha) had as a common characteristic, on the one hand, a much drier than usual two-month period (July–August) following a winter period with a shortage of rainfall, and on the other hand a number of days with very high temperatures higher than the average of the last 25 years. The latter implies that average temperatures in all three summer months were at least 1 °C above their normal value. In the years following, the burnt areas were below their average regardless of the precipitation and summer temperature patterns. However, when precipitation during the two-month period (July–August) was two or more times more than normal, fire seasons had, at most, one-third of the 25-year average of burned areas, regardless of the precipitation of the winter periods preceding and summer temperatures in those years. This is very important as already in the early days of each fire season it will be possible to make an estimation of its outcome and to prepare more appropriately when the accuracy of the long-term seasonal forecast of temperature and rainfall anomalies is improved.

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]

Flood impacts and social vulnerability are substantial threats for the sustainable development of the developing world. This study focuses on some particular points of flood impacts and the local concept towards existing management capacity. Additionally, significant focus was given to gender roles and how they may impact measures that aim towards reducing flood risks. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were applied during the research, in order to understand the perception of the char-land communities on natural hazards, social crisis, resource accessibility, climatic uncertainty and the gender role to cope with flood consequences. Concurrently the questionnaire survey and focus group discussion (FGD) was performed among the local people. This study revealed that majority of the people was directly threatened by the destructive consequences of flood hazards, which in turn, badly influenced the household economies, alongside its education, security and infrastructural prospects. Some decades ago, the application of indigenous techniques was deemed successful as the communities managed to effectively reduce the risk involved with potential floods. However, now the solution is no longer clear as it is disturbed by external climate components. Results showed the vulnerability of the local communities in terms of knowledge, resource access, communication system, proper information dissemination, health, and livelihood. The gender variability is believed to have significant value in terms of flood disaster risk reduction, household development, and family caring activities. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) has clearly identified the gender role in the char-land community. The women's activities are profoundly focused in terms of the flood risk management, and the families generally do not properly appreciate the value of women and their role. However, the problem-based âParticipatory Action to Future Skill Management (PFM)â for flood risk reduction in the char-land area can ensure to knowledge empowerment and capacity builds up, to achieve community resilience and sustainability in adverse climate conditions. The government should take appropriate actions in order to figure out the basic problem, and should issue focused policy practices among the char-land communities to bring them in sustainable trends. Keywords: Flood vulnerability, Char-land, Local perception, Gender participation, Resource accessibility and problem-based PFM

The fire extinguishing performance, in a simulation with field experiment of wildland fire, of liquid BONPET and pure water was studied. The results show that 6% BONPET liquid has better performance than pure water. The fire extinguishing simulation shows that the extinguishing performance of liquid BONPET 6% reduces the temperature at the burning area more quickly, showing a better cooling effect than water. Furthermore, shows that achieved 80% water saving and 60% faster extinguishing with the use of 6% BONPET liquid. Moreover, it has been observed that the utilization of BONPET liquid for fire suppression leads to reduced collateral damage. This is attributed to the unique properties of BONPET liquid, as its non-decomposed components persist on the surface following extinguishment. These residual components possess the capability to disintegrate and facilitate surface cooling in the event of a minor temperature rise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]