Rethinking wildfire management policy: Suggestions from firefighters who experienced the 2017 extreme wildfires in Portugal

Abstract

This report analyzes the perspectives of professional and volunteer firefighters who were directly involved in combating extreme wildfire events during Portugal's 2017 fire season. The data were collected through two open-ended questions in a web-based survey, focusing on: i) lessons learned and ii) proposals for improving wildfire suppression management. Responses were qualitatively examined, with categories defined using NVIVO software. Findings reveal that participants exhibit an incomplete understanding of extreme wildfires. Their responses primarily emphasize: i) enhancing the current organizational structure and strengthening technical and human resources within the suppression model (question 1), and ii) increasing human and material resources, establishing a unified command structure, ensuring operational independence from Civil Protection, and valuing experience as key factors for improving Civil Protection (question 2). Minimal attention is directed toward prevention measures and the concept of control capacity. Overall, responses to both questions reflect limited knowledge of the unique challenges posed by extreme wildfires. The prevailing recommendation strengthens the existing suppression model, which is largely viewed as the optimal solution. However, this perspective overlooks the role of the suppression paradigm in contributing to fuel load accumulation and increased fire intensity, as well as its inherent operational limitations.