Assessing the Effects of Forest Fires on Interconnected Critical Infrastructures under Climate Change. Evidence from South France

Abstract

The present work introduces a case study on the climate resilience of interconnected critical infrastructures to forest fires, that was performed within the framework on H2020 EU-CIRCLE project (GA 653824). It was conducted in South France, one of the most touristic European regions, and also one of the regions at the highest forest fire risk that is projected to be amplified under future climate conditions. The case study has been implemented through a co-creation framework with local stakeholders, which is critical in moving beyond physical damages to the infrastructures, introducing the elements of infrastructure business continuity and societal resilience. Future forest fires extremes are anticipated to impact the interconnections of electricity and transportation networks that could further cascade to communities throughout South France. The work highlighted the benefits of enhancing co-operation between academia, emergency responders, and infrastructure operators as a critical element in enhancing resilience through increased awareness of climate impacts, new generated knowledge on fire extremes and better cooperation between involved agencies.

Cross-boundary risks of hinterland hazards to city infrastructure

“…Natural hazards affecting electricity infrastructures in hinterland regions can disrupt electricity supply in distant city areas. For example, modeling electricity networks has shown that fires in the hinterlands threaten distribution of electricity to customers far away (Sfetsos et al 2021). In another study, it is revealed that a lack of precipitation can decrease electricity production from hydroelectric dams, which in turn decreased electricity supply to dependent, often urban, areas (Kreimer et al 2003).…”

Analysis of Trends in the Distance of Wildfires from Built-Up Areas in Spain and California (USA): 2007–2015

“…It is increasingly important to examine the economic and social consequences of forest fires. Studies have been conducted on the impact of fires on the economy [18][19][20][21][22], employment [23,24], and the cost of damage to infrastructure [25][26][27][28], buildings [29][30][31], and homes [32][33][34][35][36], and also how different building materials and the location on the perimeter of buildings respond to fire [37][38][39][40]. All of these works, with varying objectives, methodologies, and areas of study, enable us to partially comprehend the causality and consequences of fires.…”

Are Wildfires Coming Closer to Our Doors? Analysis in Spain and California 2007-2015

“…It is increasingly important to examine the economic and social consequences of forest fires. Studies have been conducted on the impact of fires on the economy [18][19][20][21][22], employment [23,24], and the cost of damage to infrastructure [25][26][27][28], buildings [29][30][31], and homes [32][33][34][35][36]. All of these works, with varying objectives, methodologies, and areas of study, enable us to partially comprehend the causality and consequences of fires.…”