The consistency analysis method: an essential approach to navigating the complexity of the regulatory framework for forest fires
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Abstract
The major fires of summer 2022 in the Landes de Gascogne highlighted the vulnerability of the forest to violent fires linked to extreme weather conditions. The current strategy for responding to forest fire risks, which focuses largely on easy access provided by the Forest Fire Defence System (DFCI) to facilitate firefighting, has shown its limitations under extreme conditions that pushed the Departmental Fire and Rescue Services (SDIS) to the brink of capacity failure. This observation has fuelled calls from experts for a paradigm shift, notably by rethinking land-use planning to improve the region’s resilience to fires. Among the avenues being explored, the strategic compartmentalisation of the forest massif through wide fuel breaks is emerging as an innovative solution, already studied by the Fuel Break Network (RCC) in the Mediterranean. However, applying this strategy to the Landes de Gascogne faces economic, regulatory and technical obstacles that need to be overcome. A study was carried out as part of the FIRE-RES project workshops to analyse existing regulations, identify the drivers and barriers to implementing this approach, and propose improvements. Four priority areas for action have been identified: utilising town planning tools to create fuel breaks, strategically prioritising territorial challenges, strengthening training and coordination among local stakeholders, and introducing attractive economic incentives for forest owners. These recommendations aim to develop the regulatory framework to make it compatible with proactive territorial management that is adapted to the challenges posed by extreme wildfires.
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