Women from around the world, united against wildfires, have travelled from all corners of the globe. They have gathered in the north of the Portugal to take part in the first European edition of ‘Women’s TREX – Traditional Fire Training Exchange’. This initiative aims to revitalise the approach to firefighting by using traditional fire-fighting methods. It is organised by the Portuguese Government Agency for the Management of forest fires. The event brought together around forty female firefighters and researchers of various nationalities.
The aim, therefore, is to create support networks and learning opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds. Lenya Quinn-Davidson, who leads the initiative and is director of the University of California’s wildfire programme, emphasises the importance of bringing together people from different backgrounds to solve problems and reconnect with the land and with fire as a tool.
An ecological revolution in fire prevention
Women from around the world, united against wildfires, have shared their knowledge and experiences. They are focusing on the use of traditional fire to regenerate pastureland and control combustible material. The approach involves promoting ‘greener fire’, with less impact on the soil and the creation of greater landscape biodiversity.
Since the deadly fires of 2017, Portugal has revised its approach to fire prevention. The authorities have moved away from ‘zero-fire’ policies in favour of more sustainable methods. Furthermore, investment in prevention has increased tenfold. And the budget for combating forest fires has doubled. These efforts have led to a significant reduction in the area burnt each year between 2018 and 2022 compared with previous years, contributing to a more effective and sustainable approach to fire management.