Report from the CTIF Forest Fire Commission meeting in Brussels in April 2026
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"I have been honoured to take part—both as Secretary and active contributor—in the recent CTIF International Association of Fire Services Forest Fire Commission meeting in Brussels from 27-29 of April, bringing together a strong network of expertise and commitment."
Text by Zisoula Ntasiou, CTIF Vice President and Secretary of the CTIF Forest Fire Commission.
This year, we had the participation of 23 delegates from 11 countries through the National Committees:
Greece 🇬🇷 France 🇫🇷 Croatia 🇭🇷 Slovenia 🇸🇮 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Germany 🇩🇪 Czech Republic 🇨🇿 Austria 🇦🇹 Belgium 🇧🇪 Norway 🇳🇴 Finland 🇫🇮
Also, we had 5 countries represented through Associated Members:
France 🇫🇷 Belgium 🇧🇪 United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Germany 🇩🇪 Spain 🇪🇸
Our discussions reflected both the complexity and urgency of modern wildfire management. We explored:
– The growing role of AI technologies in firefighting
– Fire spread models and decision-making tools
– The challenges of the 2025 fire season
– Lessons learned and how they shape our preparedness
– New initiatives, including the upcoming publication of lessons learned for the 2026 season
Associated Members contributed valuable insights, presenting innovative solutions ranging from retardants for suppression strategies and prevention techniques, to firefighting clothing, equipment, and EU regulatory frameworks.
A highlight of our meeting was the presentation of Safe.Brussels and the exceptional hospitality of Sophie Lavaux, Governeur for crisis management in the Brussels Region.
We also had the privilege to visit the ERCC, where we received a comprehensive and insightful overview of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, presented by Claire Kovalewski.
Together, across borders and disciplines, we strengthen our resilience against wildfires.
I am proud to be part of this effort!
/ Zisoula Ntasiou, CTIF Vice President and Secretary of the CTIF Forest Fire Commission.
