The World Meteorological Organization is participating in the assembly of the Global Fire Management Hub, which seeks to promote integrated management and more international knowledge-sharing and collaboration on a major threat to people's lives and livelihoods.
The event takes place as wildfires in Canada have forced thousands of people to flee their homes, destroyed huge areas of forests and harmed air quality for millions. Smoke plumes have darkened skies and crossed the Atlantic to reach Europe more than 6,500 kilometres away.
WMO's activities
WMO co-hosted sessions on meeting air quality challenges from smoke and haze, and on strengthening early warning and fire danger rating systems. The sessions shed light on the far-reaching health and climate impacts of transboundary smoke and addressing critical gaps in early warning systems.
The were informed by WMO's Vegetation Fire and Smoke Pollution initiative _ an international partnership of research and operational communities _ which seeks to help countries deliver timely vegetation fire and smoke pollution forecasts, observations, information and knowledge. It currently has two specialized regional centres in Montreal, Canada, and Singapore.
"Smoke from wildfires contains a toxic mix of chemicals that affects air quality and health, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular risks. It also reduces visibility and causes transportation disruption. Wildfires lead to more carbon emissions and so more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributing to changes in climate," says Sara Basart, a scientific officer with WMO's Global Atmosphere Watch Programme. "This is why we need to strengthen forecasts and early warnings."
The first in-person meeting of the WMO Task Team on Fire Weather Services on 13 June will start work on a global strategy for fire early warning and advisory services. WMO, FAO and the EU's Joint Research Centre will present fire data and early warning services to inform this strategy.
The strategy to be developed will provide a coordinated framework for delivering consistent, science-based fire weather forecasts and advisories globally. By focusing on inclusivity, capacity building and open access to information, the strategy will ensure that all countries, especially those most vulnerable, can benefit from timely and effective wildfire early warnings, in line with the "Early Warnings for All" initiative.
The Global Fire Management Hub takes place at the Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome.
Increasing risks
Wildfires now occur in all vegetation types across all continents except Antarctica, impacting previously unaffected regions and posing significant threats to people, biodiversity, and economies.
There are many different causes of wildfires, including land management and human actions (both accidental and arson). But climate change also plays a role by increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and prolonging drought.
The May-June total estimated wildfire carbon emissions for Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta) were significantly higher than average, according to the EU's Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service.
Canada's National Wildland Fire Information System says that, as of 4 June, there are 78 uncontrolled fires which have affected more than 2.2 million hectares of land.
Already in 2023, Canada suffered from a hyper-active fire season and these were spotlighted in the 2024 issue of the WMO Air Quality and Climate Bulletin , which had a special focus on wildfires. The 2025 issue of the Bulletin, to be released in September, will include a section on record fires in South America in 2024.
Large wildfires have been burning in Russia's Far Eastern Federal District since the beginning of April and at the end of April, further wildfires started to develop in Sakha Republic, including within the Arctic Circle. As of 30 May, the Federal Agency for Forestry reported that 104 wildfires were active in the Russian Federation, in an area covering over 1,096,078 hectares.
Integrated Fire Management
The Fire Hub champions an Integrated Fire Management (IFM) approach that shifts the focus from suppression to prevention and preparedness. This is aligned with the Integrated Flood and Drought management approaches promoted by WMO.
It is based on five elements (the 5Rs): Review and Analysis; Risk Reduction; Readiness; Response; and Recovery - that help governments understand the causes and factors driving wildfires and seek long-term, sustainable solutions.
It promotes the sharing of essential fire data and best practices, helping countries understand and address their unique fire management needs.
Rather than merging initiatives, the Fire Hub connects them, delivering comprehensive, targeted support beyond the capacity of any single partner alone.
The inaugural Global Fire Management Hub Plenary is a pivotal platform that brings together the international fire community to review progress, exchange experiences, and shape future priorities.
The outcomes of the event will guide future activities, ensuring alignment with global needs and challenges.
