Fabio Silva has over 25 years of experience in wildfire management and analysis in Portugal. He began his career in the fire service in 1998, later joining Portugal’s Civil Protection Special Force and playing a key role in establishing the Fire Analysis and Use Group (GAUF) in 2011. From 2013 to early 2024, he served as GAUF’s national coordinator and National Operations Assistant.
In 2024, Fabio transitioned to academia, pursuing a Ph.D. in wildfire analysis. With a background in Sociology, specialised wildfire training, and certifications in fire suppression, he remains committed to advancing wildfire strategies as a member of the Pau Costa Foundation's Executive Committee.
How would you describe the severity and extent of the wildfire season in your country this summer compared to previous years?
The 2024 wildfire season in Portugal was notably severe in terms of area burned and human impact. Between 1 January and 15 October 2024, 6,229 rural fires resulted in 136,424 hectares of burned area, including forests (81,206 ha), shrubland (45,583 ha), and agricultural land (9,635 ha).
Compared to the previous decade’s averages, the number of fires decreased by 47%, but the burned area increased by 22%. A particularly intense period occurred between 15 and 20 September, when over 1,000 fires burned approximately 135,000 hectares. This resulted in nine fatalities, including four firefighters, and multiple village evacuations.
The most affected regions were northern and central Portugal, specifically the Aveiro and Porto districts. These areas experienced adverse weather conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, which exacerbated fire spread. Overall, 2024 has been one of the most critical years in the last decade regarding burned areas.
What environmental factors contributed to the intensity and spread of the wildfires this summer?
The intensity of wildfires was predominantly influenced by severe drought conditions, which left soils and vegetation exceptionally dry. Additionally, high wind speeds facilitated rapid fire propagation.
Another important factor was the lack of nighttime atmospheric recovery. Overnight, the boundary layer did not lower to ground level, preventing moisture from returning to the vegetation. This lack of moisture allowed fire activity to continue even during typically calmer periods. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable during a week in September, during which a significant portion of the annual burned area occurred.
The scale, intensity, and frequency of wildfires today are unlike anything we’ve seen before—this ‘new normal’ requires more innovative and resilient strategies.
To what extent did human activities play a role in the 2024 wildfires?
Human activities significantly impacted the 2024 wildfire season. Factors include land use changes, agricultural practices, and accidental ignitions. Statistical data from the National Rural Fire Database (SGIF-ICNF) highlights these influences, although natural factors amplified their effects.
How effective were the emergency response and firefighting efforts in managing the wildfires this summer?
While Portugal’s emergency response framework has potential, its operational execution reflects a broader European issue: insufficient proficiency in scenario management during critical periods. The reliance on water-based suppression methods limits the versatility needed for a multidisciplinary approach.
Portugal's GAUF previously excelled in innovation, developing a GIS*-based wildfire management platform, conducting operational training for incident commanders, and utilising prescribed burns for fuel management. However, a lack of sustained investment has led to a decline in its operational capabilities and its skilled resources
* Geographic Information System: In the context of wildfire management, GIS is a crucial tool used for mapping and analysing spatial data related to wildfires.
Wildfire management isn’t just about suppression. It’s about prevention, preparedness, and ensuring that people and communities are at the centre of our strategies.
What were the key lessons learnt from the 2024 wildfire season in terms of response and management?
The primary takeaway is the critical need to prioritise analytical capabilities over material resources. Effective wildfire management requires robust ground intelligence, scenario prediction, and a diverse toolkit for addressing evolving fire behaviour.
A significant lesson from the Madeira fire was that even low-expansion events require high-quality terrain data, predictive analyses, and adaptable strategies. Investments in human capacity, particularly in wildfire analysis, are imperative to move beyond reactive approaches and ensure sustainable management practices.
Reflecting on your experience, what are your most important lessons in fire analysis and wildfire management?
A key lesson is the need to invest not just in equipment but also in people. While tools and technology are important, it’s just as crucial to train and keep skilled teams who can make a long-term difference. Having clear plans to support and retain these experts is essential.
It’s also important to combine practical experience with science and technology. Bringing these elements together helps us better understand and manage wildfires, making our strategies more effective and prepared for the future
How do wildfire management practices in Portugal compare to those in other European countries or internationally?
Portugal offers some exemplary practices:
I’ve been directly involved in some of the most challenging wildfire events, such as the Pedrógão Grande fire in Portugal in 2017 and the February 2024 fires in Viña del Mar, Chile. Witnessing such devastation has profoundly shaped my perspective.
Is there a particular experience that has shaped your perspective on wildfire management?
Over the years, I’ve come to realise that managing complex wildfires requires more than just increasing resources on the ground. I’ve been directly involved in some of the most devastating wildfire events, such as the Pedrógão Grande fire in Portugal in 2017, where 66 lives were tragically lost, and later that year, the October 15 fires, which claimed 51 lives during a period of extreme fire simultaneity. More recently, in February 2024, I served as a fire analyst during the Viña del Mar fires in Chile, where 137 people lost their lives.
Witnessing such devastation has profoundly shaped my perspective. It has made me recognise a new ‘normal’ for wildfires—defined by increasing scale, intensity, and human impact. This reality demands a shift toward a more technical, human-centred approach to wildfire management, prioritising resilience alongside operational advancements. These experiences have affected me deeply, both professionally and emotionally, reinforcing the urgent need to place people at the heart of wildfire strategies.