Forest fire prevention funding announced for Valencian Community environmental volunteers

by Featured NewsSafetySustainabilityWildland Fire

Generalitat Valenciana commits €455,000 to forest fire prevention efforts

The Oficial de la Generalitat Valenciana has reported that €455,000 will be allocated in 2025 to support environmental volunteer organisations involved in forest fire prevention across the Valencian Community.

The funding announcement was made by Vicente Martínez Mus, Regional Minister of Environment, Infrastructure and Territory, during the opening of the Forest Fire Prevention Volunteer Day at the Environmental Education Centre of the Valencian Community.

The Generalitat explained that the subsidies aim to support groups working on visitor education, environmental surveillance, and awareness activities aimed at reducing the risk of forest fires in natural spaces.

Minister highlights role of volunteers in safeguarding biodiversity

According to the Generalitat Valenciana, Martínez Mus said the funding programme acknowledges the work of volunteers who help protect biodiversity and promote environmental awareness.

Martínez Mus stated: “This line of subsidies recognises and supports the vital work of organisations and entities that dedicate their time and effort to protecting our biodiversity and promoting respect for our environment.”

He added: “They represent the first line of defence against forest fires and act as the best ambassadors for our natural heritage.”

Martínez Mus also invited municipalities and organisations to apply for the funding, describing the programme as an opportunity to “join forces and multiply the impact of actions promoting sustainability and protecting the territory.”

2025 grant initiative to support prevention and education projects

The Generalitat explained that the 2025 grants will assist in the development of environmental volunteer programmes focused on public information, forest monitoring, and environmental education within natural parks and other outdoor spaces.

The funding is designed to support actions such as visitor guidance, deterrent patrols, and educational projects that deepen public understanding of forest environments.

Martínez Mus said: “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to environmental protection, forest fire prevention, and promoting a culture of respect and care for our natural spaces.”

Stop al Foc 2025 operation prepared for Easter period

The Generalitat stated that the Stop al Foc 2025 campaign will operate during Holy Week and Easter to reduce forest fire risk.

The programme includes a deployment of 1,357 personnel consisting of forest firefighters, ground units, fire engines, and helicopters, alongside units from fire consortiums in the region’s three provinces.

Martínez Mus explained that the operation is focused on preventive surveillance in recreational areas, monitoring the use of fire, and prohibiting fire use in natural parks.

He said: “The objective is to conduct preventive surveillance in recreational areas, supervising the proper use of fire and preventing its use in natural parks, with the aim of protecting natural spaces and reducing the risk of fires.”

Forest fire prevention funding announced for Valencian Community environmental volunteers: Summary

The Oficial de la Generalitat Valenciana has announced €455,000 in funding for environmental volunteer organisations.

The funding will support forest fire prevention and environmental awareness activities in the Valencian Community.

The announcement was made by Regional Minister Vicente Martínez Mus during the Forest Fire Prevention Volunteer Day.

Grants will support projects involving visitor education, forest monitoring, and environmental education.

Municipalities and organisations are encouraged to apply for the funding.

The Stop al Foc 2025 campaign will operate during Easter with 1,357 personnel.

This operation includes firefighters, ground units, helicopters, and provincial fire consortiums.

It aims to prevent fire use in natural parks and reduce the risk of forest fires through surveillance.

The full grant call for 2025 is available via the Generalitat’s official website.

Water delivered where it counts: How Vallfirest integrates tanks, pumps and skid units for wildland firefighting

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionWildland Fire

Vallfirest outlines how inflatable tanks, portable pumps and modular skid units combine to support faster, more autonomous response in challenging wildland firefighting operations

As wildfires grow in intensity and complexity across the globe, the need for efficient, reliable and mobile water delivery systems becomes increasingly urgent.

Firefighting crews must be equipped with tools that allow them to rapidly respond, adapt to rugged terrain and operate with autonomy in remote areas.

This is where a smart integration of inflatable tanks, modular skid units and portable pumps becomes a game-changer.

Each of these components brings unique operational advantages, but together, they form a powerful and flexible suppression system tailored for modern wildland firefighting.

Quick-deploy inflatable tank

Ensuring a reliable water supply is one of the greatest challenges in wildfire suppression.

In remote areas where access to natural water sources is limited, inflatable water tanks provide a strategic advantage.

Their rapid deployment, high storage capacity and mobility make them an essential tool for modern firefighting operations.

Designed for both ground-based and aerial dipping/refilling, these tanks enhance operational efficiency, ensuring water is available where and when it is needed most.

The Vallfirest Inflatable Tank is unique in the way it can inflate within 90 seconds and doesn’t require any personnel below the helicopter to hold it open for the initial fill drops from a helicopter.

It is the only free-standing, inflatable tank in the world specifically engineered with helicopter operations in mind – able to withstand the impact of large helicopter buckets.

This unmatched resilience allows helicopters to refill quickly and safely, making it a key asset in aerial firefighting operations.

Its compact storage, easy transport by helicopter or truck and quick inflation using an electric blower make it an optimal solution for emergency response teams.

With a capacity ranging from 7,000 to 56,000 liters (1,850-14,800 USG) and a structure built from high-strength PVC (2,600 g/m²) with a reinforced double-layer base, the tank offers outstanding durability in extreme environments while significantly reducing setup time compared to rigid alternatives.

Skid units: modular suppression power

The Vallfirest range of truck & UTV mounted skid units is designed to offer compact, robust and versatile firefighting solutions, ready to respond in the most challenging wildland fire scenarios.

Vallfirest offers versions with polyethylene (PE) and stainless steel (INOX) tanks, configured for both Truck and UTV vehicles, adaptable to both initial/sustained attack operations and logistical support tasks.

Depending on the operational needs, the skid units can be configured with centrifugal, membrane, or piston pumps, ensuring low pressure or ultra high pressure water delivery responses are tailored to each intervention.

One of the most advanced and in-demand configurations in our range is the skid unit with a polyethylene (PE) tank and BH4 centrifugal pump, developed entirely by Vallfirest to offer a rapid attack solution that is robust, reliable and efficient.

At the heart of the system is the BH4 centrifugal pump, capable of reaching pressures of up to 25 bar (363 psi) and flow rates of up to 390 l/min (104 USG), making it one of the most powerful in its class.

Equipped with gasoline engines of up to 13.5 HP, it is available with manual and electric start and offers different combinations to suit the conditions of each operation.

This hydraulic power is complemented by a one-piece rotationally molded polyethylene tank, available in 400, 500 and 600-liter (105, 132 and 158 USG) capacities.

The tank stands out for its light weight, strength and durability.

It features internal baffles, 8 mm (0.3 inch) wall thickness, a top inspection cap, water level indicator and fittings for filling from hydrants or direct suction from natural sources.

Its shape is optimized to fit between the wheel arches of pickup trucks and with the baffled tank design ensures proper weight distribution and improved stability during off-road driving.

This configuration enables autonomous, fast and effective firefighting response, especially during the critical initial attack phase, where response time and maneuverability are key to containing the fire’s spread.

Lightweight, reliable and powerful portable pumps

Our portable fire-fighting pump systems offer the best balance between flow rate and maximum pressure, making them ideal for wildland firefighting.

We offer a complete range of models with motors of different powers and weights, catering to various transportability needs, including options for mounting on light vehicles such as UTVs and pickup trucks.

Built with high-quality aluminum and aerospace-grade surface treatments, our pumps are known for their strength, durability, ease of starting and light-weight.

In rugged terrain and hard-to-access areas, Vallfirest portable pumps provide effective solutions for moving water across long distances and steep elevation changes.

For example, the BH1 pump, weighing only 9.5 kg (21 lb.), can be easily carried in a backpack or transported by helicopter, allowing crews to reach remote locations quickly.

For operations involving significant elevation gains, models like the BP4X and BH2 deliver up to 26.2 bar (380 psi) and 17.1 bar (248 psi) of pressure respectively overcoming site specific hydraulic limitations without sacrificing flow.

In more accessible areas that demand maximum power, the BH4—a 4-stage centrifugal pump—offers pressures of up to 28.8 bar (418 psi) and a maximum flow rate of 397 l/min (105 USG/min), making it ideal for high-demand suppression operations.

These tools also enable advanced pump configurations, such as parallel setups to boost flow or series setups to increase pressure, adapting to the specific tactical needs of each wildland firefighting operation.

Furthermore, Vallfirest provides local product representatives, direct technical support, technical documentation, audiovisual resources and training for our customers and distributors, making it easier for firefighters to operate and extend the lifespan of these essential tools.

Our pumps are crucial for new-generation forest fire suppression strategies, contributing to environmental protection and community safety.

Heliskid: Strengthen Water Supply Logistical Support on Geographically Challenging Wildfires.

The Heliskid is a compact, versatile, quick-deploy wildfire suppression skid unit designed for aerial and ground transport.

The Heliskid can be transported to any location, raised off from the truck bed via four post raise/lower system into remote location and/or be slung under a helicopter to be re-positioned into other areas otherwise inaccessible by vehicles.

This operational flexibility enables quicker access to natural water sources closer to the wildfire.

Equipped with a 3,000-liter (793 USG) collapsible, polyurethane tank and a high-performance 4-stage fire pump, the Heliskid delivers six times the capacity of a traditional fire truck skid unit in a format ready for both ground or aerial deployment.

With a reinforced aluminum structure, four telescopic legs and four helicopter lifting points, the Heliskid is quick to set up – fully operational in under five minutes.

The Heliskid can even be loaded with tools and up to four hose packs without compromising airlift safety.

Designed for direct attack operations in remote environments, the Heliskid dramatically reduces water supply time when refilled by helicopters, or for helicopter bucket filling by creating a mobile, autonomous water source exactly where it’s needed most.

Getting water closer to the fire, reducing turn times on fires is both efficient use of expensive resources and improves fire suppression success.

The full system approach

What makes these tools truly powerful is their interoperability.

An inflatable tank serves as a mobile reservoir positioned in a strategic location.

A skid unit mounted on a pickup truck brings both pumping capacity and water storage directly to the field.

A portable pump extends the water line into inaccessible terrain, bridging the gap between the vehicle and the fire line.

Together, they create a layered and adaptable suppression system that scales to the needs of the operation—whether it’s a small crew working deep in a pine forest or a multi-agency team defending the wildland-urban interface.

This flexibility allows wildfire incident responders and commanders to adapt their tactics in real time, depending on fire behavior, fuel type, topography and resource availability.

This modular approach enhances logistics, reduces response time and increases the autonomy of firefighting units in the field.

It empowers crews to establish self-sufficient suppression systems wherever they’re needed, from initial attack to extended operations.

By integrating smart storage, transport and pumping technologies, Vallfirest provides comprehensive solutions for fast-moving, unpredictable wildfire scenarios.

Fighting wildfires requires more than just strength, it demands smart, integrated solutions tailored to the challenges of modern firefighting.

Inflatable tanks, skid units like the BH4 with polyethylene tanks and portable pumps such as the BH1 and BP4 are not standalone products; they are components of a strategic system designed to give firefighting crews the upper hand in complex and evolving situations.

This system-based philosophy ensures that resources are used effectively, crews operate with greater autonomy and suppression efforts are faster and more precise.

Vallfirest continues to develop and refine these tools in close collaboration with structural and wildland fire services around the world, anticipating operational needs and engineering solutions that deliver versatility, mobility and power to those on the front lines.

With wildfires posing an increasing threat to ecosystems and communities, the future of firefighting lies in modular, integrated and field-proven systems that adapt to every scenario—and that future is already here.

This article was originally published in the May 2025 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal – to read your FREE digital copy, click here.

NASA wildfire research faces uncertainty amid proposed US budget cuts

by Breaking NewsResearchWildland Fire

FireSense project monitored controlled burn in Georgia to aid wildfire management

NBC News has reported that a NASA wildfire research project called FireSense may be at risk due to potential federal budget cuts in the United States.

The project recently monitored a 700-acre prescribed burn at Fort Stewart Army base in Georgia using airborne instruments to collect data on fire behaviour and intensity.

The burn was carried out under controlled conditions to clear vegetation and study fire dynamics, helping scientists understand how wildfires spread and how they might be better managed.

NASA’s advanced technology used for real-time wildfire data collection

According to NBC News, FireSense applies technology developed for space missions to wildfire monitoring.

At Fort Stewart, researchers used an airborne infrared instrument known as AVIRIS-3 to map the fire’s spread, temperature and behaviour.

NASA said the project aims to provide wildland fire managers with field-ready tools to improve fire response and prevention efforts.

NASA FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman said: “The goal is to take our innovative technology, go into the field with wildland fire managers and actually transfer that innovative technology so that they can use it on a wildland fire.”

Former firefighter says fire science must be a tool in addressing the crisis

The programme’s team includes former wildland firefighters, such as FireSense Project Coordinator Harrison Raine.

Raine told NBC News: “We’re trying to combine all aspects of the fire life cycle and using science to understand what is happening and what we can do about it.”

Raine added: “This is a deep personal issue for me. I’m from Los Angeles. I’ve seen kind of the devastation and really trying to tackle this huge problem. And it takes every tool that we have, and science is a big one.”

Raine previously worked as a member of a hotshot crew dispatched to wildfires across the country, including in Idaho, Montana and California.

Budget proposal raises questions about future of NASA Earth science projects

NBC News reported that the White House is preparing a budget proposal that may include deep cuts to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, which oversees Earth-focused research like FireSense.

Rachel Cauley, a spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget, said: “No funding decisions have been finalized.”

NASA declined to comment and referred budget queries to the Office of Management and Budget.

Michael Wara, a senior research scholar at Stanford University, stated: “FireSense was born because NASA said: Wildfires are a big and emerging problem, and we’re going to invest and we’re going to use our skill set to help the rest of the government do its job better.”

Wara added: “There’s no question that our level of information about fire and fire risk has improved with FireSense. It would be a shame to lose it, because it would be very hard to get back.”

Congressman George Whitesides of California also told NBC News: “Cuts to crucial wildfire programmes like Firesense put communities like mine — which are just beginning to rebuild after the devastating Southern California fires — at extreme risk.”

NASA wildfire research faces uncertainty amid proposed US budget cuts: Summary

NBC News has reported that the FireSense project collecting wildfire data using NASA airborne technology is at risk.

The project recently studied a prescribed burn at Fort Stewart Army base in Georgia.

The burn was part of efforts to understand fire spread, temperature and behaviour.

FireSense uses AVIRIS-3 infrared sensors to map fire movement and provide insights for fire managers.

The data aims to support real-time wildfire response and inform vegetation management strategies.

The project involves collaboration with local, state and federal fire agencies.

Former firefighters working with FireSense have said science must be part of the fire response.

NBC News reported that proposed budget cuts could impact NASA’s Earth science programmes.

NASA declined to comment on the potential funding changes.

A White House spokesperson said no decisions have been finalised.

Experts including Stanford University’s Michael Wara said losing FireSense would reduce wildfire data availability.

Representative George Whitesides warned that programme cuts would place fire-prone communities at higher risk.

Scientific perspectives on wildfire risk management at the WUI property scale

by Breaking NewsResearchWildland Fire

Portugal research centre leads international release on WUI wildfire risk management

The Forest Fire Research Centre of ADAI, based at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, has coordinated the publication of a new open-access scientific volume on wildfire risk management at the property scale in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

According to CTIF, the book titled Scientific Perspectives on Wildfire Risk Management at the WUI Property Scale presents contributions from 34 researchers across 10 countries, addressing how built environments can be made more resistant to wildfire damage.

The book is freely available online via the University of Coimbra’s digital press.

Book introduces scientific context for wildfire risk in WUI areas

CTIF reported that the publication aims to provide a knowledge base for more effective wildfire risk reduction strategies at the interface between natural and built environments.

The introduction to the book, written by Jack Cohen, retired US Forest Service research scientist and WUI fire expert, outlines decades of fire loss in the United States and highlights the need for ignition-resistant design.

Cohen wrote: “A trend of increasing community destruction during wildfires is apparent. The United States provides a prime example.

“In 1985, 1400 homes and structures burned during wildfires. This motivated the establishment of the US national Wildland-Urban Interface Initiative.

“Approximately 9000 homes burned during US wildfires from 1985 to 1994. The recent decade from 2012 to 2021 had over 45,000 US homes burn during wildfires.”

Local ignition conditions determine wildfire damage to homes

Cohen stated that the primary cause of property destruction in WUI fires is not direct flame contact from wildfire fronts but ignitions due to embers and heat exposure in the immediate vicinity of homes.

He explained: “Research results indicate practical opportunities for effectively creating ignition resistant homes and thereby preventing community fire disasters without necessarily controlling wildfires.”

He added: “Disaster examinations have determined that intense wildfire flame fronts do not continuously spread within communities having moderate to high structure density.

“A community’s streets, utility corridors, driveways, parking areas and building sites create gaps in the continuous tree and shrub canopies that cease high intensity wildfire spread.”

Preface outlines need for design and mitigation strategies at the property scale

The preface of the book discusses the concept of the Home Ignition Zone (HIZ), defined as the area within 30 metres of a structure, and notes that ignition resistance within this zone is key to reducing community-level wildfire risk.

Cohen wrote: “The typical WU fire patterns indicate a structure’s local conditions principally determine its ignition.

“Unburned area surrounding the destroyed home indicates lofted burning embers as the principal source of ignition directly on the home or from ignited materials immediately adjacent.”

He continued: “Reducing structure ignition potential remains the principal factor for reducing community wildfire risk.

“Thus, WU fire disasters must be defined and approached as a home-structure ignition problem, not as a problem of wildfire control.”

Conclusions call for broader collaboration including citizen involvement

Miguel Almeida, Senior Researcher at ADAI and coordinator of the publication, concluded that more stakeholders need to be involved in WUI wildfire risk management.

Almeida stated: “The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires in the wildland-urban interface across the globe underscore the critical importance of understanding and managing wildfire risk at these areas.

“Recent dramatic fires have highlight the need for continued research and practical application in both operational and policy-making spheres.”

He added: “One of the key challenges highlighted by recent wildfire events is the incapacity and insufficiency of public civil protection services to address all incidents during very large-scale fires.
There is a growing recognition that citizens must play an active role in this challenge.”

The book presents international research on property-scale wildfire mitigation

CTIF reported that each chapter was coordinated by its lead author and presents independent analysis on topics ranging from WUI characterisation and ignition mechanisms to regulations and fire behaviour modelling.

The book includes sections on self-protection systems, defensible space design, and insurance policy development as it relates to wildfire risk.

According to Almeida, the structure of the book allows readers to explore the topic progressively or by interest area.

Almeida stated: “While some redundancy or varying approaches to the same topic may be detected through the book due to the independent nature of the chapters, they follow a logical sequence that allows readers to progress over the book methodically.

“These chapters collectively demonstrate that there are multiple, complementary approaches to managing wildfire risk in the WUI.”

Researchers from ten countries contribute to the open-access volume

CTIF listed the contributors as including scientists and engineers from Portugal, the United States, Chile, Israel, Spain, France, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

The authors represent academic institutions, national research organisations, and operational fire services.

The book is available for free download via the University of Coimbra’s academic press.

Contributing authors

Miguel Almeida, Luís Mário Ribeiro, Domingos Xavier Viegas, MohammadReza Modarres, Hafsae Lamsaf and Almerindo Ferreira from ADAI, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Dulce Lopes and Inês de Oliveira Martins from the University of Coimbra – Institute for Legal Research and Faculty of Law, Portugal; Jack Cohen from the US Forest Service (retired), USA; Albert Simeoni from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, USA; Pedro Reszka from Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile; Avi Bar-Massada from the University of Haifa, Israel; David Caballero from MeteoGrid, Spain; Inês Cardoso Oliveira, Carlos Viegas Damásio, João Moura Pires, Diogo Lopes and Gonçalo Prates from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; Marielle Jappiot, Eric Maillé and Anne Ganteaume from INRAE and RECOVER, France; Samuel L. Manzello from Tohoku University, Japan and Reax Engineering, USA; Bruno Guillaume and Eric Guillaume from Efectis, France; Kuibin Zhou from Nanjing Tech University, China; Sayaka Suzuki from Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan; Elsa Pastor, Pascale Vacca, Eulalia Planas and Alba Àgueda from CERTEC, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain; Kim Donghyun from Jeonju University and the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis, South Korea; Greg Baker from Fire Research Group Limited, New Zealand; Greg Penney from Fire and Rescue NSW, Australia; and Jacquelyn R. Chase from California State University–Chico, USA.

Scientific perspectives on wildfire risk management at the WUI property scale: Summary

The Forest Fire Research Centre of ADAI published a new open-access book on WUI property-scale wildfire risk management.

CTIF reported that the book features contributions from 34 researchers in 10 countries.

The lead coordinator of the volume is Miguel Almeida of the University of Coimbra.

Jack Cohen of the US Forest Service contributed the preface.

The book explains that ignition resistance in the Home Ignition Zone is essential to community wildfire protection.

Cohen stated that most home losses are caused by embers and local conditions, not fire fronts.

The book covers WUI characterisation, structure vulnerability, and fire modelling.

It also addresses regulation, insurance, and citizen involvement in wildfire prevention.

The conclusions call for more inclusive strategies, beyond traditional firefighting responses.

Researchers from universities, research institutes and fire services contributed to the book.

The book is available to download for free from the University of Coimbra’s press.

Israel wildfires prompt emergency response and international firefighting aid

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsWildland Fire

National emergency declared as fires spread near Jerusalem

Multiple media reports have confirmed that Israeli authorities have declared a national emergency in response to fast-moving wildfires near Jerusalem, which began on 30 April 2025.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the fires posed a direct threat to the capital and warned they could reach the outskirts of the city.

He said: “The western wind can push the fire easily towards the outskirts of [Jerusalem] – and even into the city itself.”

Netanyahu added: “We need to bring as many fire engines as possible and create firebreaks well beyond the current fire lines.”

He said: “We are now in a national emergency, not just a local one.”

According to the Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency agency, more than 20 people have received medical treatment, including several with burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

MDA confirmed that two pregnant women and two infants under one year old were among those taken to hospital.

Authorities raised the fire alert level to its highest tier, as emergency teams and soldiers were deployed across central Israel.

Firefighting efforts impacted by wind and extreme heat

According to the Israeli Fire and Rescue Services, firefighting aircraft were temporarily grounded due to weather conditions, with winds reaching speeds of over 60 miles per hour.

At a press conference, Fire Chief Eyal Caspi said: “Our aircraft can’t do anything right now due to the weather conditions… Our goal is to save lives.”

Smoke billowed across highways near Jerusalem, as fires spread through wooded terrain between Latrun and Bet Shemesh.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as emergency vehicles arrived and residents evacuated.

Yuval Aharoni, a resident of Modiin, said: “It’s just very sad because we knew the weather, we kind of knew that would happen and still we feel like they weren’t ready enough with the big planes that can drop large amounts of water.”

Communities located 30 kilometres west of Jerusalem were evacuated, with large flames visible near populated areas.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported that helicopters had been deployed to drop water on the advancing fire line.

Highway closures and mass evacuations ordered

Israeli police closed the main Tel Aviv–Jerusalem highway, Route 1, and asked the public to avoid travelling in the affected region.

Thousands of people were evacuated from at least five communities, and emergency crews searched for individuals who may have remained in their vehicles.

Yosef Aaron, a student who fled the area, said: “A lot of police arrived, a lot of firefighters, but it didn’t really help. The fire had already completely taken over the whole area here.”

Israeli media broadcast footage of firefighting teams trying to contain the blaze near Neve Shalom.

MDA positioned ambulance teams in communities close to the fires, prepared to assist civilians during further evacuations.

Police and military personnel remained deployed throughout the Jerusalem Hills and surrounding forested regions.

Communities evacuate as Independence Day celebrations disrupted

As reported by AP News, the wildfires forced closures on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for much of Wednesday, with the road reopening Thursday after smoke had cleared.

Fire crews have battled flames fanned by dry conditions and strong winds, with Israel’s Independence Day celebrations heavily impacted.

Authorities urged the public to cancel outdoor activities and avoid lighting barbecues, which are a common tradition on the national holiday.

The Fire and Rescue Services said on Thursday that 10 firefighting aircraft were operational by morning, and that eight more were scheduled to arrive during the day.

Aerial photographs showed pink flame retardant blanketing trees along the highway, while wide sections of the forest were visibly scorched.

MDA reported that 12 people were hospitalised on Wednesday, and another 10 received treatment in the field.

European countries send aircraft to assist Israel

The Israeli government has accepted assistance from multiple European countries in order to strengthen its aerial firefighting capacity.

According to AP News, Italy, Croatia, Spain, France and Romania are sending aircraft equipped to drop water and flame retardant.

Other countries including North Macedonia and Cyprus have also committed to sending firefighting support.

In total, Israel expects to operate at least 18 aircraft during the response, in addition to the 120 teams already deployed on the ground.

Footage taken on Thursday morning showed emergency vehicles along reopened highways, with smoke still hanging in the air.

Authorities said the current fire is the most destructive since the Mount Carmel fire in 2010, which killed 44 people and destroyed over 12,000 acres of woodland.

Ongoing risks as conditions remain volatile

Israeli firefighters warned that while some containment progress had been made, high winds could cause flare-ups across multiple fire fronts.

The public has been instructed to stay clear of national parks and forests until further notice.

Local news footage showed emergency teams preparing evacuation zones, while helicopters continued flying overhead to suppress embers.

Officials confirmed that Independence Day ceremonies were cancelled in areas most at risk.

Authorities stated that investigations into the fire’s origin remain ongoing.

Police investigate arson as suspect arrested

According to CNN, Israeli police arrested a man in his fifties from the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Umm Tuba on suspicion of attempted arson.

The Police Spokesperson’s Unit said: “Officers from the Jerusalem District arrested a resident of East Jerusalem who was caught in the act of attempting to set fire to a field in the southern part of the city.”

It added: “A search of the suspect’s belongings uncovered a lighter, cotton wool, and additional flammable materials.”

No official connection has yet been made between this individual and the main fires burning west of Jerusalem.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the affected area and said authorities were evaluating possible cases of deliberate fire-setting.

He confirmed that international cooperation was being sought to bring further firefighting resources to the region.

Defence minister describes situation as one of national urgency

Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that the wildfires represented a national crisis and required the mobilisation of all available resources.

He said: “We are in a time of national emergency, and all available forces must be mobilised to save lives and bring the fires under control.”

Jerusalem District Fire Commander Shmulik Friedman described the event as possibly the largest wildfire ever recorded in Israel.

He said: “We don’t know at this time what caused the fire. We don’t have even a bit of a clue. We are still not dealing with it. We are far from control.”

Friedman warned that worsening weather conditions could overwhelm suppression efforts and that additional help was urgently needed.

Hospitals activate emergency protocols and relocate patients

Hospitals near Jerusalem began implementing emergency measures on Wednesday to ensure capacity for patients affected by the fires.

Hadassah Medical Center asked the public to avoid the facility unless absolutely necessary.

It began relocating stable patients and prepared to receive those injured due to fire exposure.

Shamir Medical Center and Kaplan Medical Center both confirmed the arrival of multiple patients for smoke inhalation treatment.

United Hatzalah, a volunteer-based emergency organisation, shared footage of its workers helping people escape from smoke-filled vehicles on Route 1.

Authorities said at least 10 communities in the affected area were evacuated, and warned that new evacuations could follow if wind conditions worsened.

Israel wildfires prompt emergency response and international firefighting aid: Summary

Israeli authorities declared a national emergency on 30 April 2025 as wildfires near Jerusalem led to mass evacuations, highway closures and international requests for firefighting aid.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that winds could push the fires into Jerusalem and called for immediate firebreaks to be established beyond the current burn zone.

Defence Minister Israel Katz described the situation as a national emergency and said all available resources must be mobilised.

Magen David Adom confirmed that 23 people received medical care, including burn injuries and smoke inhalation, with 13 hospitalised.

Two pregnant women and two infants under one year old were among those treated.

The main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem was shut for much of Wednesday as flames approached Route 1, causing drivers to flee their vehicles.

Fire Chief Eyal Caspi said aerial firefighting operations were suspended due to high winds, while more than 120 ground teams were deployed.

Eyewitnesses reported entire communities evacuated west of Jerusalem, with scenes of heavy smoke, fire and emergency aircraft.

Authorities raised the national alert level, and the public was told to avoid parks and refrain from lighting Independence Day barbecues.

Police arrested a man from East Jerusalem for allegedly attempting to ignite a separate fire, though no direct link to the main fire has been confirmed.

Countries including Italy, Croatia, France, Spain and Romania sent firefighting aircraft, with at least 18 planes expected to operate by the end of the day.

Hospitals began relocating non-critical patients and asked the public to avoid visiting unless essential.

Ten communities in total were evacuated, with further evacuations considered possible depending on changing wind conditions.

Officials stated that the affected region had experienced a similar fire the week before, and noted that full control had not yet been achieved.

Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services said operations will continue until the fires are suppressed across all active fronts.

AI fire prediction system deployed to reduce wildfire risks to Israeli transport

by Featured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Israel’s AI fire prediction system launched to reduce wildfire disruption

The Jerusalem Post has reported that Israel’s Ministry of Transportation has launched an AI fire prediction system to minimise wildfire-related disruptions across its transport networks.

The Israel Meteorological Service, operating under the ministry, developed the system to support emergency teams, reduce fire spread and protect passengers during wildfire events.

According to the ministry, the system combines artificial intelligence, weather modelling and environmental data to forecast areas most at risk from fire outbreaks.

Climate change preparedness and international collaboration

The Transportation Ministry stated that the new system forms part of its wider climate resilience strategy.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev said: “The fire prediction system being launched in the coming days is one of the many products of the ministry’s preparation for the climate crisis.”

She added: “It will help us prepare better, reduce disruption to transportation, and prevent risk to human life.”

According to the ministry, the technology has been developed in collaboration with Greece and Cyprus, countries that also experience summer fire risks due to similar weather conditions.

Technology to track, forecast and respond to wildfire threats

The Jerusalem Post reported that the system uses variables such as vegetation moisture levels to identify high-risk areas.

It is further supported by a new simulation tool designed to generate three-dimensional maps showing expected fire spread, taking into account real-time weather data.

The Transportation Ministry stated that this data will assist emergency teams in containing fires before they affect critical transport systems.

Moshe Ben Zaken, Director-General of the Transportation Ministry, said: “As global warming disrupts traditional forecasts and causes extreme weather events with greater frequency, the importance of early prediction is greater than ever.”

He added: “We are allocating all necessary resources to ensure we have the most advanced technologies in the world to prevent widespread disruptions and save lives.”

Wildfire risks to Israeli transport network

According to ministry data, wildfire events typically result in around 15 days of transport disruption per summer season, including train delays and road closures.

The Jerusalem Post stated that areas such as the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee, which saw heavy winter rains, could face heightened wildfire risks due to the growth of flammable vegetation.

The ministry explained that the AI system will enable operators such as Israel Railways and Netivei Israel to respond more quickly to emerging fire threats.

AI fire prediction system deployed to reduce wildfire risks to Israeli transport: Summary

Israel’s Transportation Ministry has launched a new AI fire prediction system.

The announcement was made by the ministry and reported by The Jerusalem Post.

The system was developed by the Israel Meteorological Service.

It uses artificial intelligence, weather modelling and environmental data to predict high-risk areas for wildfires.

A new simulation tool will provide 3D maps showing projected fire spread based on real-time weather.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev said the system is part of the country’s broader climate preparedness plan.

Moshe Ben Zaken, Director-General of the ministry, said early predictions are increasingly important due to global warming.

The system was developed with input from Greece and Cyprus.

According to ministry data, wildfires cause around 15 days of delays each summer.

The ministry said the tool will help protect passengers and reduce disruption across Israel’s transport network.

Greece enhances firefighting capacity ahead of 2025 summer season

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsWildland Fire

Operational plans for 2025 firefighting season presented

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has reported that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Ministry on 28 April 2025, ahead of the firefighting season starting on 1 May.

The Ministry stated that the Prime Minister was informed about updated operational plans including an increase in staffing levels, acquisition of new equipment, expanded drone deployment, and prevention activities aimed at addressing the risks posed by climate change.

According to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Fire Brigade now has more than 18,000 permanent and seasonal firefighters, compared to approximately 15,500 personnel in 2022.

The Ministry also reported that the fleet of firefighting vehicles has grown by 270 over the last three years, reaching a total of 3,700.

Growth in drone bases and aerial monitoring capabilities

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection explained that drone use has expanded significantly to support early fire detection and rapid response efforts.

It reported that drone bases have increased from 45 to 80, with the unmanned aerial fleet now capable of operating in extreme weather conditions and equipped with thermal imaging cameras.

The Ministry added that drones would be deployed extensively in Attica and other vulnerable areas to assist with immediate detection and early intervention in case of fire outbreaks.

The Ministry noted that the “AIGIS” programme, aimed at modernising Civil Protection equipment and systems, is progressing with the intention to increase the number of contracted projects by the end of 2025.

Extension granted for land clearance deadlines

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection confirmed that due to prolonged rainfall, the deadline for land clearances has been extended until 15 June 2025.

It reported that land clearance activities are a critical element in fire prevention strategies, particularly near archaeological sites and around electricity transmission networks.

According to the Ministry, last year approximately 800,000 citizens completed plot cleanups, helping to prevent the spread of fires into urban areas.

The Ministry indicated that municipal authorities will closely monitor compliance with land clearance requirements, and fines will be imposed where necessary.

European cooperation and increased volunteer involvement

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection stated that Greece’s firefighting efforts will again be supported by approximately 300 personnel from five European countries.

It reported that the number of Forest Commando Units (EMODE) has grown from six in 2022 to 20 units, now comprising more than 1,500 members.

The Ministry highlighted that alongside professional staff, around 5,500 volunteers from organisations and 5,000 volunteer firefighters will support firefighting operations during the 2025 season.

It added that the General Secretariat of Civil Protection has been certifying voluntary actions, encouraging greater citizen participation in fire prevention and response.

Greece enhances firefighting capacity ahead of 2025 summer season: Summary

The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection reported that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Ministry on 28 April 2025.

The visit aimed to review operational plans for the firefighting season beginning on 1 May 2025.

The Fire Brigade now includes more than 18,000 permanent and seasonal firefighters.

The Ministry reported an increase in firefighting vehicles to 3,700.

Drone deployment has expanded from 45 to 80 bases with new thermal imaging capabilities.

The “AIGIS” programme for modernising Civil Protection infrastructure continues its implementation.

The Ministry confirmed an extension to 15 June 2025 for land clearance deadlines.

Approximately 300 firefighters from five European countries will assist during the season.

The Ministry reported that more than 5,500 volunteers from organisations and 5,000 volunteer firefighters will support operations.

Forest Commando Units now total 20 with more than 1,500 personnel.

The Ministry emphasised the importance of citizen participation in land clearance and fire prevention.

Greece to operate 80 surveillance drones during 2025 wildfire season

by Aerial FirefightingFeatured NewsFire DetectionWildland Fire

Greece increases aerial surveillance capacity with €6 million donation

The Athens – Macedonian News Agency has reported that Greece’s Civil Protection service will operate 80 drones during the 2025 wildfire season, nearly doubling the 47 units deployed last year.

The increase follows a €6 million donation from the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

According to the Ministry, the drones will be used for aerial surveillance of periurban forest areas to support early warning, prevention, and operational needs during the summer fire season.

Advanced UAV systems to provide continuous monitoring

The surveillance drones will be equipped with real-time data transmission and artificial intelligence tools.

These tools will assist with fire detection, incident recognition, and continuous area monitoring.

Each drone will be supported by an operational management centre to ensure 24-hour monitoring across targeted areas.

The Ministry stated the system will support fire response coordination, mapping, damage assessments, and search-and-rescue operations.

Fire Department to reach 18,000 personnel in 2025

Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said the Fire Brigade will be staffed by 18,000 people in 2025, including seasonal workers and volunteers.

He stated: “Together with the thousands of volunteers from both the Fire Department and voluntary organisations, by utilising the aerial means that we will have… we are proceeding with the best possible planning in view of this summer.”

He also referenced support from the national fleet, rented aerial assets, and the Aegis programme to increase vehicle availability.

Inter-ministerial cooperation aims to safeguard forest areas and infrastructure

Minister of Environment and Energy Stavros Papastavrou said the initiative would enhance protection for both people and infrastructure.

Papastavrou said: “The fire-protection of our forests, our natural wealth, inhabited areas and above all human life, is a non-negotiable priority.”

He added that the climate crisis requires a state of ongoing readiness and that upgraded prevention tools are essential to protecting the environment and local communities.

HEDNO President Anastasios Manos said: “With this donation, we seal the excellent cooperation that we have had so far with both ministries… to protect our citizens, to protect our infrastructure, to protect our country.”

Greece to operate 80 surveillance drones during 2025 wildfire season: Summary

Greece will operate 80 drones for fire detection and prevention during the 2025 fire season.

This represents an increase from 47 drones used in 2024.

The expansion follows a €6 million donation from the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

The drones will provide 24-hour surveillance across selected periurban forest areas.

They will support early fire detection, data analysis, and ground response coordination.

The system includes both UAVs and operational management centres.

Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said the Fire Department workforce will reach 18,000 people, including seasonal staff and volunteers.

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said the initiative prioritises protection of people, forests, and infrastructure.

HEDNO President Anastasios Manos confirmed continued cooperation with the ministries.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Athens.

LA Parks Foundation receives FireAid donation to rebuild Pacific Palisades playground

by Featured NewsProjectsSafetyWildland Fire

FireAid donation supports wildfire recovery at Los Angeles playground

The Los Angeles Parks Foundation has received a $1 million donation from FireAid to support the restoration of the Pacific Palisades Playground, which was damaged by wildfires in Southern California in January 2025.

According to the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, the funds will be used to expedite reconstruction and modernisation work at the Palisades Park and Recreation Center, located at 851 Alma Real Drive in Pacific Palisades.

The LA Parks Foundation, which will oversee the project, has also secured a $300,000 in-kind donation from GameTime, which is supplying all playground equipment.

An additional contribution has been made by Banc of California’s Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund.

Over $1.3 million allocated to restore Palisades Park and Recreation Center

Combined support for the playground restoration now exceeds $1.3 million.

The full project is scheduled for completion in time for the 4 July holiday.

The funding has been designated for urgent restoration needs at Palisades Park, which has served the local community for over 35 years.

Tony Budrovich, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, said: “We express our deep gratitude to FireAid, GameTime, and Banc of California for their generous donations.”

Design to include accessible equipment and tribute to first responders

Two adjacent playgrounds for children aged five to 14 will be constructed, both featuring rubber surfacing and integrated shade structures.

The playground will be fully accessible and include updated safety features.

A fire truck-themed play structure will be added in recognition of first responders who fought the Palisades fire.

Budrovich said: “This support comes out of a successful private and public partnership aimed at revitalising the playground within the Palisades community.”

Public-private partnership helps advance park restoration goals

The LA Parks Foundation’s role is to support the Los Angeles City Department of Recreation and Parks and promote access to the city’s more than 500 public parks.

Budrovich said: “The Palisades Park plays a vital role in the community, providing families with opportunities for recreation and fostering a sense of togetherness, which is more important than ever.”

The donations are part of wider efforts to rebuild damaged public infrastructure following the wildfires that impacted Southern California earlier this year.

LA Parks Foundation receives FireAid donation to rebuild Pacific Palisades playground: Summary

The Los Angeles Parks Foundation has received a $1 million donation from FireAid to support the rebuilding of the Pacific Palisades Playground, damaged in January 2025 by wildfires.

The Foundation has also received a $300,000 in-kind equipment donation from GameTime and additional support from Banc of California’s Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund.

The project, managed by the LA Parks Foundation, will include two new accessible playgrounds for children aged five to 14 and a fire truck-themed play structure.

Construction is expected to be completed before 4 July.

The restoration addresses immediate needs at the Palisades Park and Recreation Center, located at 851 Alma Real Drive, which has been in operation for over 35 years.

All contributions have been publicly confirmed by the LA Parks Foundation.

White House draft order and staffing cuts raise wildland firefighter safety concerns

by Breaking NewsWildland Fire

Draft order would reduce aircraft certification requirements

The Spokesman and ProPublica have reported that a draft White House executive order could reduce safety requirements for aerial firefighting aircraft while federal staffing cuts are already affecting the country’s firefighting capability.

The proposed order would remove specialised firefighting certification requirements for aircraft and instead require only standard Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals. This would permit the use of non-fire-certified aircraft in active wildfire zones and eliminate the role of lead planes used to coordinate retardant drops.

Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said: “The draft of the executive order we have seen dangerously reduces the safety of our communities and our wildland firefighters”.

National fire agency proposal would remove current partnerships

According to The Spokesman, the draft order includes provisions to dissolve the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and replace it with a new national firefighting agency. The Council currently facilitates collaboration between federal, state, tribal and local authorities.

Ryan Rodruck, spokesperson for the Washington Department of Natural Resources, said: “It scrambles partnerships and jumbles jurisdiction, attempting to put state and local response efforts under the control of a new federal fire entity”.

Rodruck added: “This confusion compromises the safety of our firefighters and our neighbours”.

Forest Service support staff terminated amid federal cuts

ProPublica reported that approximately 700 red-card-certified Forest Service employees were terminated in February 2025 as part of federal workforce cuts. These personnel, although not frontline firefighters, assist in logistics and conduct prescribed burns.

Frank Beum, of the National Association of Forest Service Retirees, said: “There are not enough primary firefighters to do the full job that needs to be done when we have a high fire season”.

According to agency sources cited by ProPublica, these reductions will reduce the Forest Service’s ability to contain fires and maintain readiness ahead of the upcoming wildfire season.

Cuts impact training, recruitment and prescribed burns

ProPublica reported that staffing cuts have slowed hiring and cancelled some training programmes. Fewer trained personnel are available to supervise prescribed burns, which are a key tool for reducing fire risk.

One Forest Service employee said: “We are really, really behind onboarding our employees right now”.

Others described confusion within the agency over hiring guidelines and job roles, as federal departments implement overlapping directives and face legal challenges to layoffs.

Equipment logistics hindered by IT staffing shortages

The IT division supporting the Forest Service’s fire and aviation programmes has also been affected. According to ProPublica, the position overseeing logistics and technology systems remains unfilled, and the associated job posting was removed after the 2025 inauguration.

The IT system allows firefighting crews to request and receive equipment from agency warehouses. One employee said that failure to maintain this system could delay access to protective gear and critical tools.

Legal staff reductions affect environmental compliance

Legal capacity for wildfire prevention projects has also been reduced. According to ProPublica, terminated legal staff were responsible for defending the agency’s vegetation management efforts, which often face legal challenges from environmental groups.

A Department of Agriculture lawyer who was reinstated after being laid off in February said: “Every time we lose a case out West, it means the Forest Service can’t do a project, at least temporarily”.

The lawyer warned that future prescribed burns could be delayed due to a lack of legal support for environmental reviews.

Foreign aid exclusion and private sector involvement flagged

The Spokesman reported that the draft executive order includes language favouring U.S.-based firefighting assets over foreign support, which could limit cooperation with countries like Canada.

The order also suggests increased reliance on private contractors, which Rodruck criticised: “This EO has the potential to shift responsibility for fires to private entities more interested in their corporate bottom line than the lives of the people wildfire impacts”.

Washington state prepares for 2025 fire season

The Spokesman reported that Washington State has increased its aerial firefighting fleet to 44 aircraft and introduced new legislation to speed up interagency aircraft deployment.

The 2023 Oregon Road and Gray fires in Spokane County destroyed over 300 homes and burned more than 21,000 acres. Officials said the federal government did not consult the state before drafting the proposed changes.

Upthegrove said: “The last thing we should do is make wildland fire fighting less safe, but that’s exactly what this order, as it is written currently, will do”.

White House draft order and staffing cuts raise wildland firefighter safety concerns: Summary

The Spokesman and ProPublica have reported that a White House draft executive order would reduce certification standards for aerial firefighting aircraft by replacing fire-specific inspections with general FAA requirements.

The order also proposes dissolving the Wildland Fire Leadership Council and establishing a new national fire agency, changing the current intergovernmental coordination structure.

State officials have said these changes would increase safety risks for firefighters and the public.

Simultaneously, federal staffing cuts have impacted the U.S. Forest Service, resulting in the termination of around 700 trained support personnel.

ProPublica reported that training programmes, hiring processes and prescribed burns have been disrupted.

Staffing shortages in IT and legal departments have delayed equipment access and complicated regulatory compliance.

Foreign support could be reduced and private sector involvement expanded under the draft order.

Washington State, which experienced severe wildfires in 2023, was not consulted during the drafting process.

The state has increased its resources ahead of the 2025 fire season.