Wildfires in Northern Portugal: an operational case study in Tabuaco

摘要

The present work is an analysis of the wildfire that occurred in Tabuaço (Portugal). This wildfire developed in acomplex topography and under extreme meteorological conditions. The wind was one of the most difficult factorsbecause it increased the rate of spread of the fire front and increased the number of spot fires in front of the headfire. This kind of situation is very often a source of incidents or accidents. Additionally, the fire progressed in zoneswhere the wildland–urban interface was practically non-existent, but also in the areas where the existence ofsettlements gave rise to critical points, related to the necessity to protect people and property. The suppressionmanoeuvres of the fire of Tabuaço were carried out in a way that led to a high level of safety, without victims orserious injuries recorded, and so they can be considered an example of a wildfire fighting approach. The use of fireto fight a fire is an important technique when it is well applied. An analysis of the existing conditions, such asgeographic characteristics, meteorological situation, topography, fuels and infrastructures of defence against forestfires and fire development and behaviour, are described and analysed in a detailed way.