Forest Fires in Europe - 2003 fire campaign

The European Union (EU) recognised a long time ago that forests can be severely damaged by the effects of forest fires, especially in the south of the EU. Although the main responsibility for coordination and implementation of any forest policy is at Member State level, the Community decided to help the Member States in their efforts against forest fires. Concerning prevention, a Community scheme to develop activities co-ordinated at EU level was established by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2158/92 of 23 July 1992, on the protection of the Community’s forests against fire. It aimed to provide increased protection for forests, in particular to step up efforts undertaken to maintain and monitor forest ecosystems and to safeguard the various functions which forests fulfil for the benefit of rural areas. The annual EFFIS report tell about the past global wildfire season.