FAO has launched a new e‑learning course aimed at strengthening practical skills for integrated fire management (IFM), with a focus on early warning systems and informed decision‑making in the context of increasing wildfire risk.
The course, Basic integrated fire management tools for early warning and decision‑making, is supported by the Republic of Korea through the Assuring the Future of Forests with Integrated Risk Management (AFFIRM) Mechanism and by the Government of Canada through the Global Fire Management Hub. It offers an accessible, practice‑oriented introduction to fire danger rating systems, fire behaviour drivers and early warning tools, targeting practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders involved in fire management.
Structured around four self‑paced lessons, the course covers global fire dynamics, key factors influencing fire behaviour, the role of early warning systems, and the development of decision‑support tools that can be applied on the ground. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced training, including hands‑on workshops developed through FAO’s Fire Hub.
Integrated fire management takes a holistic approach, recognising the economic, sociocultural and environmental dimensions of fire. While some fire plays a role in maintaining ecosystems and supporting livelihoods, IFM also addresses the impacts of uncontrolled wildfires on communities, human health and natural resources. Decision‑making in this context is complex, and the course aims to simplify it by helping users translate data and knowledge into action.
The course is designed for a broad audience, including fire management practitioners, government agencies, researchers, community stakeholders and rights‑holders. By building practical decision‑making capacity, it contributes to strengthening resilience to wildfire risks across landscapes.
The course is now available through the FAO e‑Learning Academy.
