A field exercise (FSX), ITA EU MODEX 2025, took place from 7–11 April 2025 in Sardinia, Italy. Organised as part of Cycle 12 by the LOT 2 MODEX Consortium, this was the second exercise conducted under their coordination.
The exercise simulated a rapidly escalating wildfire driven by extreme drought and strong winds, testing the capabilities and coordination of international ground and aerial forest fire fighting modules in a highly demanding environment.
Scenario and response
In the exercise scenario, several large wildfires had broken out in the north-eastern part of Sardinia. The situation worsened rapidly, with a 5,000-hectare fire threatening the city of Nuoro, nearby industrial zones, and cultural heritage sites. The fire originated in the territory of Oniferi and driven by strong winds and dry conditions, spread uncontrollably.
Italy activated the UCPM triggering the deployment of international assistance, and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) confirmed the deployment of forest fire response capacities from several countries.
The terrain presented significant challenges for ground operations due to steep slopes, limited access routes, and fast-changing wind conditions. Modules engaged in creating firebreaks, defensive burns, water line installations, and evacuation support. 'The diversity of exercise injections has prepared the team for most of the unforeseen situations that may arise' recalled Ionuț-Daniel Petre, Romania
The exercise also included scenarios involving the evacuation of vulnerable persons from residential healthcare facilities (including a museum and a church during a wedding ceremony), coordination with local authorities, and joint logistical planning.
The exercise gave me experience as close to a real mission as possible. It helped me understand other teams’ capabilities, build networks, improve cooperation, and also discover how I personally adapt to the challenges of such a mission.
International cooperation and learning
Several modules highlighted the realism of the scenario and noted that it tested their abilities in a meaningful way. The challenging terrain, weather conditions, and limited timeframe required rapid decision-making and flexibility—reflecting the pressures of real wildfire emergencies.
Other participants also saw the exercise as a valuable opportunity to identify areas for improvement and strengthen internal procedures. One team member from Romania noted that it helped them understand what needed to be adjusted, while a participant from Slovenia added that their team improved templates and standard operating procedures, received useful feedback, and gained experience working in a new and unfamiliar environment.
Coordination and support
The exercise was coordinated by a consortium led by CN-APELL RO and Civil Protection Department of Sardinia Region with support from the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC).
The exercise facilitated the participation of six Ground Forest Fire Fighting using Vehicles (GFFF-V) modules, out of which five participated in the exercise for certification purposes while the sixth is for recertification and an Aerial Forest Fire Fighting (AFFF) module from Greece, along with local response capacities: 2 aerial firefighting planes and firefighter teams from Vigili del Fuoco and Cuorpo Forestale.
Upon arrival, international teams rapidly established a Base of Operations and deployed to the fire zone and undertook a 10-hour ferry journey to Sardinia before reaching the wildfire-affected areas.
Operational priorities included containing the fire near Nuoro, securing the industrial area of Pratosardo, and providing relief to overstretched local responders. As the fire spread toward other municipalities such as Orune, Orani, and Mamoiada, teams were redeployed to assist with additional evacuations and containment strategies. 'We learned how to cooperate more effectively with other modules and gained useful new ideas—whether related to equipment, tactics, or operational templates' noted a SI GFFF-V team member from Slovenia
We all speak different languages, but firefighters speak everywhere the same.
Evaluation and outcomes
The exercise demonstrated the critical role of EU cooperation in wildfire response and the importance of readiness in a complex and evolving disaster environment. Participating teams reported improved cohesion, technical insights, and stronger international partnerships. ‘The opportunity to work together in real situations helped us find the best solutions’ remarked a participant from Austria
The ITA EU MODEX 2025 exercise provided a vital opportunity for teams to test their readiness, build trust across borders, and reflect on areas for further improvement in a high-risk wildfire scenario.