Landscape fires consequences can be mitigated by systematic application of methods and technologies, based on the recommendations of practice-oriented fire research:
- Fire research: Although a lot is known about the causes, characters and consequences of landscape fires there is a need of continuous research of socio-economic and environmental conditions that are changing in many regions and influence the occurrence and impacts of landscape fires.
- Institutional co-operation: National agencies such as forest services, fire services, agricultural services or health services must work together and develop coordinated fire management plans.
- Involvement of all stakeholders in policy development: National fire management policies must be developed by considering the needs and participation of civil society. All ministries concerned should collaborate.
- Community–based fire management: Rural villages, farmers and land owners should participate in the efforts of fire prevention, early detection of landscape fires and even assisting in rapid suppression of a fire at its very early stage. Community forestry approaches are successful because people who own forests or are allowed to utilize timber and other forest products have a high interest to protect “their” forests because the forests are generating income.
- Effective stabilization and rehabilitation of burned areas: The swift re-vegetation of burned areas is important to avoid secondary losses or disasters, such as erosion, landslides or mudslides, or floods.
- Transboundary or regional agreements for collaboration in fire management: Neighboring countries should share common research and training of professionals. This will economize investments and assist preparing for mutual assistance during landscape fire emergencies.
- A global fire information system: Such system is needed to provide immediate access to real-time data and information on current fires and archived information.
