Wildfire prevention

Identify risks and plan prevention in a targeted way

Where could a wildfire start? Which areas and infrastructure are at risk? And are access roads, water ponds and operating procedures prepared for an emergency?

Silvalue supports forest owners, forestry companies, agricultural communities and municipalities in assessing wildfire risks and planning effective preventive measures.

We combine forest management, technical infrastructure and organisational procedures into a practical wildfire protection concept.

When does a wildfire protection concept make sense?

Systematic wildfire prevention helps you if you:

• manage forest areas at risk
• want to protect buildings or infrastructure near forests
• need to review or plan access roads and water points for firefighting
• need clear instructions for staff and forestry contractors
• want to prioritise measures and investments

The aim is a coordinated system that fits the specific area and enterprise.

What we investigate and plan

Depending on the task, our service covers:

• assessment of wildfire risk
• analysis of areas at risk and possible fire spread
• development of wildfire protection and operational concepts
• planning of access roads and firefighting water points
• definition of silvicultural and organisational measures
• preparation of maps and overviews for emergency response
• coordination with owners, authorities and emergency services

Measures are ranked by risk, effect and feasibility. This shows you what is needed first and which steps can be implemented in the long term.

How your wildfire protection concept is created

1. Clarify the situation
We discuss assets to be protected, local conditions and existing procedures.

2. Assess risks
We examine vegetation, terrain, possible ignition sources, access roads and firefighting water supply.

3. Develop measures
From the results we derive structural, silvicultural and organisational measures.

4. Prioritise implementation
You receive a clear ranking by urgency, effectiveness and feasibility.

Experience from New Zealand practice

For over seven years I was responsible for wildfire prevention in New Zealand – first as Forest Manager for around 37,000 hectares, later as Harvesting & Engineering Manager and as Forestry Consultant.

My duties included maintenance and building of firefighting ponds, prevention and emergency concepts, requirements for forestry contractors, daily fire danger assessment and exercises with the fire brigade. I also handled briefings, on-call duty and organisational leadership during incidents.

This experience goes into concepts that can actually be applied in forestry operations.

What you receive

You receive a comprehensible risk assessment and a set of measures tailored to local conditions. Depending on the assignment, this includes:

• prioritised prevention measures
• operational rules and responsibilities
• maps of areas at risk
• foundations for access roads and firefighting water points
• recommendations for further implementation

This gives you a reliable basis for investments and for coordination with everyone involved.

Where our service ends

Silvalue prepares concepts, policies and plans for wildfire prevention. Firefighting, incident command and coordination during an event remain the responsibility of the competent enterprises, authorities and emergency services.

Costs and funding

The cost depends on area size, risk situation and the planning depth you want. After an initial conversation you receive a transparent quote.

Wildfire prevention measures may be eligible for funding. As requirements and deadlines vary, funding options should be checked before work begins.

Would you like to reduce wildfire risks in a targeted way?

Briefly tell us about your situation. Together we clarify which analysis and planning make sense for your area.

Request wildfire prevention