The first multiplier event of the EduFire Toolkit consortium in Ireland took place on April 13 and 14, 2023, coinciding with the 7th International Fire Behaviour + Fuels Conference in Tralee, organized by the International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF).
The main objective of the event was to present the EduFire Toolkit project. Valuable ideas and conclusions were drawn from the feedback received from the audience with an academic profile. Stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and regions gathered to share their knowledge and experiences, providing invaluable perspectives on wildfire education. This event aimed to disseminate the project’s results. By synthesizing this feedback, our goal is to identify key conclusions and practical recommendations to further enhance wildfire resilience across Europe.
During the event, a workshop was presented as an educational resource tailored to different bioregions on the topics of wildfires and climate change, receiving positive feedback from the community. This type of resource offers accessible information to improve resilience and preparedness against wildfires in secondary schools across various regional contexts.
The discussions at the event highlighted the varying wildfire contexts within Europe, emphasizing the unique challenges and strategies present in Ireland compared to its Mediterranean counterparts. While countries like Spain and Portugal face frequent and severe wildfires due to hot and dry conditions, Ireland experiences milder wildfire seasons primarily influenced by land use practices and climate variations. However, the impact of climate change poses a growing concern for exacerbating these conditions.
The event served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and best practices, stressing the importance of tailored approaches to wildfire education based on regional conditions. Additionally, the workshops with children provided an opportunity to instill awareness and cultivate a culture of fire ecology from an early age.
Overall, the EduFire Multiplier Event in Ireland underscored the diverse wildfire education challenges across Europe and promoted collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants. As the project progresses, it aims to further enhance wildfire resilience and preparedness across different regions, recognizing the importance of localized educational strategies in mitigating wildfire risks.
