In many parts of the world, for years fire has been used by expert staff to limit the quantity of flammable material in undergrowth, in open areas with bushes, as well as to make our forests more fire resistant, without thereby damaging the wood and its inhabitants.
This technique is called “prescribed burning” and is performed through painstakingly complying with a project developed by authorised personnel. All operators are expert on fire management techniques.
Prescribed burning can be defined as conscious and skilful application of fire on planned areas, by adopting accurate measures and operational procedures aiming at getting the desired effects, as well as achieving goals integrated in land-use planning.
Thus this technique applies only under given meteorological conditions, so that not to damage soil, fauna and vegetation that must be protected.
Prescribed burning is a long-standing practice, the effects of which have been studied since 1960’s, and in some European countries is a customary method (France, Spain and Portugal).