Lessons from Los Angeles: Europe's Growing Urban Wildfire Risk

Experts caution that European cities may soon face the same wildfire threats seen in Los Angeles due to urban sprawl and rising temperatures from climate change. The risk is growing as suburbs edge into forested areas, prompting calls for a strategic shift in fire prevention and land management.

According to a recent report, urban areas in Europe are more susceptible to wildfires than those in North America or Asia. The January fires in Los Angeles, which claimed 22 lives and destroyed 12,000 homes, underscore the need for Europe to focus on creating a fire-resilient society rather than merely relying on firefighting.

With human activity causing 90% of fires, experts emphasize the importance of managing urban expansion at the wildland-urban interface. The use of fire-resistant materials and better land management practices, such as prescribed burns, could mitigate fire risks. Experts call for more comprehensive legislation and a long-term mindset in addressing these complex challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)