Satellite feeds, weather models and expert analysis power those forecasts, giving the European Union a data-driven view of burn rates, heat waves and drought across the continent.
National authorities still fight fires inside their own borders, but EU officials use the system to decide where to send extra crews, planes and helicopters when blazes spread.
Over two decades, the system’s maps, forecasts and burn trackers have become central to Europe’s coordinated wildfire response as fires grow more frequent, damaging and dangerous.
Are Europe's new data strategies and expanded fleet actually shrinking the wildfires happening right now in 2026?
As Europe invests millions in new firefighting planes, is it failing to adequately protect its firefighters on the ground?
Wildfire Management in 2024: How AI, EFFIS, and International Collaboration Are Transforming Europe's Response
Overview
Climate change has made extreme heat waves much more common, drying out landscapes and creating ideal conditions for larger and more frequent wildfires. This urgent threat has driven the development of advanced forecasting tools, such as the ECMWF's Probability of Fire (PoF) model, which uses AI to provide more detailed and accurate fire danger assessments. These innovations are enhanced by integrating real-time satellite data, allowing for better early warning systems. As a result, wildfire prediction and management are becoming more proactive, helping communities prepare for and respond to the growing risks posed by a changing climate.