In the first phase, comprising three thematic modules, we found the following: 

The “Forest” module investigated the fire susceptibility, fire behavior, and resilience of the forest ecosystem in the Canton of Bern and on the northern side of the Alps. The module also examined the post-fire dynamics of forest stands and the susceptibility of the affected areas to erosion and landslides. The resulting parameters were then tested in a procedure for decision-making on post-fire measures for an area in Meiringen that had been affected by a forest fire in May 2022. This decision-making tool is currently still under development. In the second phase, the results will be used to develop a practical guide focusing on protection forests on the northern side of the Alps. 

The “Hazard and Risk” module further developed the basis for hazard assessment and risk classification for the entire Canton and the northern side of the Alps. For example, the module examined the influence of the foehn and bise wind systems on the risk of forest fires. It also assessed the use of soil moisture data from existing monitoring series and provided a raster data set to assess forest fire risk in the past and present. These activities provide a basis for expanding and improving the Canton’s existing tool for assessing forest fire risk, increasing the reliability of the hazard and risk assessment. In 2024, we began implementing the results and validating their practical applicability through field monitoring. 

The “Awareness and Communication” module evaluated and derived recommendations from the Canton’s existing tools and preventive measures (training, ongoing risk assessment, communications work, fire bans). The aim was to optimize prevention, and to target communication toward specific groups. The results of a broad-based survey in the Canton of Bern on risk perception and behavior are now being used to develop and test targeted communication in hotspot areas at the southern Jura foothills, on the sunny side of Lakes Thun and Brienz, and in the foehn-affected valleys in the Bernese Oberland. This work is being carried out in collaboration with local partners such as municipalities, fire brigades, and foresters. The team is also examining how best to implement further recommendations such as integrating the topic of forest fires into training in forest management and agriculture. 

Additional information:

• Waldbrand (Information about forest fires on the website of the Canton of Bern; available in German and French)

• Risk of forest fires north of the Alps: Awareness and communication (Information about the corresponding module on the website of the Centre for Development and Environment CDE)

• Waldbrandmanagment auf der Alpennordseite Modul Wald (Information about the “Forest” module on the website of the Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH; in German)

In collaboration with: Office for Forests and Natural Hazards of the Canton of Bern (AWN)