The activity is organized by the ISIG-International Institute of Sociology of Gorizia in collaboration with the Forest Fire Research Center (CEIF) of the Association for the Development of Industrial Aerodynamics (ADAI), at the University of Coimbra. CEIF is a branch of ADAI and is closely linked to the Department of Mechanical Engineering (DEM) of the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra (FCTUC). CEIF/ADAI is mainly devoted to applied research on forest fires and fires in urban-forest interface (WUI) areas and, since 1990, has been developing multidisciplinary activities focused on the analysis, understanding, application and dissemination of knowledge on forest fire dynamics and risk management.
The study visit will bring together representatives of the Project partners, operational, institutional and research entities. Participants include first responders from the Italian-Slovenian cross-border area, Italian and Slovenian fire brigades and associations (Nova Gorica Fire Brigade, Association of Slovenian Fire Brigades, National Fire Brigade Corps), the Italian State Forestry Corps, municipal and regional civil protection authorities (Ajdovščina Municipality, Monfalcone Municipality, Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region-Regional Civil Protection) and researchers from the University of Trieste (Department of Engineering and Architecture) and ISIG. The participants will contribute their expertise on governance, institutional cooperation and social dimensions of forest fire risk management. A representative from the Slovenian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food will also participate in the visit.
Key contributors include AGIF-Integrated Rural Fire Management and ICNF-Institute for Nature Conservation and Forestry, two central players in Portugal’s forest fire risk management system, who will present the national integrated approach to forest fire prevention, preparedness and response.
The program includes the following activities:
- Feb. 25 – A laboratory training session at the CEIF/ADAI Forest Fire Research Laboratory, focusing on fire behavior, fire safety, wildfires in urban-forest interface (WUI) areas, and relevant case studies.
- Feb. 26 – A full-day study tour of areas affected by large wildfires, fire prevention projects and communities implementing self-protection systems.
- Feb. 27 – A hybrid seminar session dedicated to presenting forest fire management systems in Slovenia, Italy and Portugal, followed by a panel discussion. This activity will be open to the public, either in person or through Zoom, but registration is required:
- In-person registration: https://tally.so/r/J9AzLX
- Online registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oCBcaouBSoKuAe1tDDCBCA
The study visit is a key activity of the FIRESAFENET project, which facilitates the exchange of operational, scientific and institutional experiences and strengthens cross-border cooperation in forest fire prevention and response.
