Prescribed Burning in Italy

Review Article - doi: 10.3832/ifor0803-006 ©iForest – Biogeosciences and Forestry

chief of the Fire Service of the National Prescribed burning in Italy: issues, advances Forest Service, acknowledged the potential use of PB to rationalize the use of fire in and challenges range management, prevent pastoral fires from originating wildfire, and improve rangeland productivity. He acknowledged the Davide Ascoli, Giovanni Bovio applicability of PB for fire hazard reduction and tree regeneration in Mediterranean pine forests and for fuel break management, and Prescribed burning has been carried out since the late 1970s in several sou- its potential value in firefighter training. Ex- thern European countries. Italy hosted some pioneer experiences in the early perimental PB in Mediterranean pine forests ’80s, but these did not follow up into practical implementation, and few stu- (Tuscany) and for fuel break management dies and applications were carried out in subsequent years. In the last decade, (Sardinia) followed in the 80s under the su- a new interest arose and several experiences were carried out. We aim to il- pervision of Istituto Sperimentale di Selvi- lustrate the limitations, advances and challenges of prescribed burning in Italy coltura (Buresti & Sulli 1983, Calabri by reviewing the national literature of the last 40 years on this subject. Unfa- 1988). Despite “promising” results (Calabri vorable land characteristics, conflicting management goals, a hostile socio-cul- 1988), the outcomes were not monitored in tural environment, and an inadequate regulatory framework have supposedly the following years, nor implemented in or- limited the application of prescribed burning in Italy. Nevertheless, in the last dinary forest management. Unlike France, 20 years the legislation at the regional level has been updated to consider the Portugal and Spain, where experiments were use of fire, and new procedures to authorize prescribed fires allowed for expe- followed by investments in research, appli- riments and application, even within National Parks. From 2005 to 2012, pre- cation and training (Silva et al. 2010), in- scribed burning programs for fire hazard reduction, forest and range manage- terest in PB in Italy died off. Only one ex- ment, biodiversity conservation and firefighter training were implemented periment is documented in the 90s, aimed at throughout Italy. Several vegetation and fuel types were involved (e.g., fuel break management in Sardinia (Massaiu broadleaved and coniferous forests, Mediterranean and continental shrubland, 1999). In the last 10 years, however, PB re- grassland, slash). Studies on fire behavior and effects helped to set prescrip- gained attention. Seminars, training courses tions for specific objectives and environments. Results were transferred to and scientific experiments were carried out professionals through training sessions. Some of the challenges ahead are im- in cooperation with firefighting organiza- proving the legislative framework, e.g., by introducing a certification for the tions, local administrators, universities and use of fire, and addressing issues of pastoral fire through conflict resolution professionals from several regions (Ascoli et programs. Prescribed burning in Italy could be developed by committing to al. 2012). carry out ecological studies on its implications to silviculture, range manage- This work aims to: (i) ascertain the reasons ment and habitat conservation. for a limited or delayed development of PB in Italy, in comparison with other European Keywords: Wildfire, Integrated Fire Management, Biodiversity, Historical Fire (particularly Mediterranean) countries; (ii) Use summarize goals, methods and results of PB activities carried out in Italy during the last 10 years; (iii) point out open research ques- Introduction 2001). However, PB as a professional land tions to be addressed for the future develop- Prescribed burning (PB) has been used management technique (i.e., having clear ment of PB in the country. worldwide since the first half of the 20th cen- prescriptions and evaluation protocols) de- tury for fire hazard reduction, forest and veloped at the end of 1970s (Silva et al. Issues of prescribed burning in range management and biodiversity conser- 2010). In central and northern Europe, PB is Italy vation (Pyne 1997). In Europe, the planned used mainly for conservation and forest re- Several authors evidenced potential limita- use of fire has a long history of application, generation purposes. It is applied extensi- tions to the application of PB in Italy (Sus- e.g., in heathland management in the Atlan- vely in the United Kingdom (Davies et al. mel 1973, Calabri 1981, Buresti & Sulli tic area (Davies et al. 2008), understory bur- 2008), Sweden (over 4000 ha yr-1 - Gran- 1983, Calabri 1988, Stefani 1985, Leone et ning in southern Europe (Lázaro 2010), fo- ström 2001), Finland (2000 ha yr-1 - Vanha- al. 1999). These can be due to unfavorable rest regeneration in Scandinavia (Granström Majamaa et al. 2007), Germany (750 ha yr-1 - land characteristics, conflicting management Held A., personal communication), while in goals, hostile socio-cultural environment, or Dept. AgriForFood, University of Turin, other countries it has experimental appli- inadequate legislation (Tab. 1). v. Leonardo da Vinci 44, I-10095 Grugliasco cation (Lázaro 2010). In the Mediterranean (TO - Italy) area, PB programs were designed in the 80s- Land characteristics 90s for fire hazard reduction in France, Por- Forest species traits, and an overdeveloped @ Davide Ascoli ([email protected]) tugal and Spain, leading to an increase in rural-urban interface (RUI), are the main trained personnel (Silva et al. 2010). Burnt ecological and geographic issues that could Received: Sep 29, 2012 - Accepted: Nov 20, area is currently around 5000 ha per year in have been limiting the use of PB in Italy 2012 France, 2000 ha in Portugal and 1000 ha in (Susmel 1973, Calabri 1981, Leone et al. Citation: Ascoli D, Bovio G, 2013. Prescribed Spain, and the use of PB has been extended 1999). Fire-adapted forest types where PB is burning in Italy: issues, advances and to habitat conservation, grazing, game and commonly applied in southern Europe (coni- challenges. iForest 6: 79-89 [online 2013-02- forest management (Lázaro 2010). fers: Pinus canariensis Smith, P. halepensis 07] URL: http://www.sisef.it/iforest/ In Italy, interest in PB rose in the late 70s Mill., P. laricio Poiret., P. pinaster Ait., P. contents?id=ifor0803-005 (Susmel 1977), about at the same time than pinea L.; broadleaves: Eucalyptus sp., Quer- in other European countries. Calabri (1981), cus sp.) are sporadic in Italy, i.e., 7% of total Communicated by: Marco Borghetti

Tab. 1 - Limitations to the use of prescribed burning in Italy according to several Italian au- and elevations of 150 to 1000 m a.s.l. - thors. Fernandes & Botelho 2004) or France, where PB is applied in sites that are morpho- Limitations Description logically similar (Lambert 2010) or equiva- Land Extent of rural-urban interface; forests, shrublands and rangelands in lent (Bernard-Laurent & Weber 2007) to the characteristics mountain territories; vegetation constituted by fire sensitive species; extent Italian mountains. and fragmentation of the private property. Another issue, shared by all southern Euro- Management Priority investments in fire control policies; preference towards forest ex- pean countries, is the preponderance of pri- policies pansion and rangeland reduction; preference for ecological successions to- vate ownership and real estate fragmentation wards late-successional and less flammable forests; silviculture mainly fo- in forests (Calabri 1981 - Tab. 2). However, cused on natural tree regeneration. this is relevant also in other Mediterranean Cultural Fear of fire; lost of expertise in traditional fire uses by the rural population; countries where it has been addressed by in- surreptitious use of fire in agricultural and pastoral systems; public opinion volving landowners in PB-related decisions mainly accustomed to fire control policies; poor knowledge of ecological according to a participatory approach to land effects related to fire. planning, as illustrated below (e.g., Bernard- Legislation Absence of a national legislative framework; high heterogeneity of the le- Laurent & Weber 2007, Lambert 2010, gislation at the regional level; confusion between prescribed burning and Vélez 2010). other fire uses; lack of clear authorization processes and definition of liab- Finally, it has been suggested that PB in ility; lack of certification programs. presence of an overdeveloped RUI could be detrimental to health and safety in urban areas (e.g., air quality, road visibility - Ca- forest cover by conifers, 19.1% of which has and perception of fire by professional fore- labri 1988). Population has been rising an uneven-aged structure, and 13% by sters (Leone et al. 1999), 72% of the inter- steadily in Italy since the late 80s, and popu- broadleaves (Tab. 2 - INFC 2005). On the viewees answered that potential damage to lation and road density are currently among other hand, shrub communities usually tar- vegetation was the main limit to PB imple- the highest in southern Europe (Tab. 2). Fol- geted by PB (i.e., heathlands, Mediterranean mentation in the field. lowing depopulation in mountain areas (62 scrublands) represent 70% of shrub-type for- Calabri (1988) highlighted that PB can be inhabitants km-2, on average), human pres- mations in the country (INFC 2005). How- problematic in complex topographies and sure has increased in the lowlands and coa- ever, Susmel (1973), a leading Italian ecolo- highly variable wind patterns. Some 66% of stal regions (Falcucci et al. 2007, Corona et gist of the 20th century, maintained that PB Italian forests is located at elevations > 500 al. 2012). This issue is complex, and shared could accelerate the degradation of Mediter- m, and one third on slopes > 60% (Tab. 2 - by other southern European countries (Láza- ranean scrublands that had been repeatedly INFC 2005). However, this issue is not con- ro 2010). For example, in the Alpes-Mari- burnt by wildfire between the 50s and the troversial in other countries such as Portugal times (southern France) population density is 70s. In a national survey on the awareness (where PB is carried out on slopes of 0-68% comparable to Italy (250 inhabitants km-2),

Tab. 2 - Land and wildfire characteristics of Italy and of south European countries where prescribed burning is used. (1): Forest data have been derived from National Forest Inventories published on respective web sites (Italy: Inventario Nazionale delle Foreste e dei Serbatoi Forestali di Carbonio - http://www.sian.it/inventarioforestale/; France: Inventaire Forestal Nacional - http://www.ifn.fr/spip/; Portugal: In- ventário Florestal Nacional - http://www.icnf.pt/florestas/ifn/; Spain: Inventario Forestal Nacional - http://www.magrama.gob.es/es/biod- iversidad/temas/inventarios-nacionales/inventario-forestal-nacional/); (2): Statistics for the French territory have been calculated only for southern Departments where prescribed burning is implemented on a broad scale: Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur, Corse, Languedoc-Rousil- lon, Midi-Pyrénnées, Aquitaine; (3) From respective National Forest Fires Inventories and Schmuck et al. 2011; (4) Data from Catry et al. 2010.

Land characteristics (1) Italy France (2) Portugal Spain Land area (km2) 301 336 154 113 92 391 505 957 Population density (pers./km2) 202 90 115 89 Road density (km/ km2) 1.50 1.77 0.87 1.32 Forest area (ha) 8 705 220 8 182 000 3 458 556 18 571 403 Private Property (%) 66% 80% 93% 70% Shrub/grassland area (ha) 4 432 910 1 907 000 1 926 630 25 141 335 Private Property (%) (shrub) 15% 89% 88% n.a. % of vegetation land cover 44 65 58 86 % forests at elevation 0-500 m 34 53 87 n.a. % forests at 500-1000 m 38 28 12 n.a. % forests > 1000 m 28 18 1 n.a. % forests with slope > 60% 29 22 n.a. n.a. Conifer sp. where prescribed fire is used in South Europe 7 18 29 53 (% tot. private forest) 50% 90% 86% n.a. Broadleaf sp. where prescribed fire is used in South Europe 23 24 26 15 (% tot. private forest) 85% 93% 96% n.a. Wildfire characeristics (3) Average burnt area (ha yr-1; 1980-2010) 118 085 20 332 113 033 178 941 Burnt forest (% total burnt area) 41% n.a. 53% 38% % tot. vegetation area burnt yearly (%) 1.29 0.20 2.10 0.41 Intentional fires (% total) (4) 80 21 38 68 iForest (2013) 6: 79-89 80 © SISEF http://www.sisef.it/iforest/ Prescribed burning in Italy and particularly high along the coasts (888 financial resources (Fiorucci et al. 2011). In Greco-Roman world, the use of fire was inhabitants km-2). Here, PB covers ~1600 ha other words, wildfires have been dealt with widespread in Mediterranean Italy (Susmel yr-1 and is mainly used for fire hazard reduc- more as a civil protection emergency than as 1973) to create or regenerate pastures, ferti- tion, also at the rural-urban interface. Strong a land management issue (Bovio 2006). Opi- lize fields, hunt, and control pests (Sereni efforts have been sustained in order to miti- nion was that the costs of extinction could be 1981, Pyne 1982). Also in the Alps, between gate smoke-related issues, mainly by develo- backed up by public interests such as em- 6500 BC and 800 AD, slash and burn (deb- ping suitable fire prescriptions and imple- ployment opportunities, political convenien- bio) was broadly used to open new pastures menting conflict resolution strategies (Ber- ce, industry business or commerce. Measures and agricultural fields (Ali et al. 2005, Tin- nard-Laurent & Weber 2007). of preventive silviculture such as PB were ner et al. 2005, Carcaillet et al. 2009, Favilli more difficult to implement, and could not et al. 2010). However, starting from the late Land management goals find a comparable economic justification Middle Ages, the use of fire in northern Italy The adequacy of PB depends on the mana- (Calabri 1988). decreased (Conedera & Krebs 2010). Pyne gement goals being prioritized (Susmel Another concern has been that forest mana- (1997), describing fire uses in central Euro- 1973, Calabri 1981, Stefani 1985). Universal gement in Italy is aimed primarily at promo- pe, reports that in the 16th century the con- acknowledgment is given to the wildfire is- ting natural regeneration and uneven-aged version of most forest areas into agricultural sue, which is the main cause of damage to stand structures, that were considered incom- land and pastures made the use of fire less Italian forests (INFC 2005), and has been patible with the use of fire in the forest (Sus- necessary. Population growth and the deve- occurring in several catastrophic fire seasons mel 1973, Calabri 1981, Stefani 1985). Fo- lopment of cities built with flammable main the last 30 years (Schmuck et al. 2011). rest management systems adopted in other terials demanded greater control of fires in The ratio of the yearly burnt area to total ve- countries, especially in even-aged conifer RUI areas. In the 19th century, the shortage getation cover in Italy is second only to Por- stands where PB is applied, are based on ar- of timber resources, forests privatization, tugal (Tab. 2). Nevertheless, investing in PB tificial regeneration. Afforestation has been and the development of timber industry as a preventive measure was considered to carried out in many southern European (Puettmann et al. 2009) required increased be conflicting with other land management countries in the 20th century (Moreira et al. fire control and the prohibition of agro-pas- policies (Susmel 1973, Stefani 1985, Calabri 2011), including Italy, where 40% of even- toral use of fire (Pyne 1982). Similar dyna- 1988). aged conifer forests are planted (INFC mics occurred north and south of the Alps, In the wake of a widespread debate on the 2005). However, plantations have not been so that in the last three centuries the use of profitability of range vs. forestry systems managed for production purposes (Vallauri fire has been increasingly limited and con- (Stefani 1985), Susmel (1973) suggested that et al. 2002), nor followed arboricultural fined to the mere management of marginal periodic wildfires in Mediterranean areas in planning methods such as those applied, e.g., agricultural and pastoral areas (Ascoli & Bo- the 60s-70s, caused mostly by shepherds and in Portugal (Fernandes & Botelho 2004). vio 2010a, Conedera & Krebs 2010). criminal action by real estate constructors, Since the main goal of Italian plantations In the lowlands, fire has been used until re- were the main reason for hydrogeological was to facilitate the establishment of native cently to regenerate reed stands of Phrag- hazard, loss of plant diversity and lack of hardwoods, PB was feared to alter the de- mites australis (Cav.) Trin., whose sprouts adult stages in shrubland communities. Con- sired succession dynamics (Calabri 1981). In were used for roofing (Razzoli 2010). Fire is sequently, he recommended reducing fire regard to industrial plantations, in Italy these still used to remove the stubble in rice fields frequency by a fire suppression strategy to are only 1.4% of total forest cover (INFC but must comply with special regulations promote late-successional, “climacic” forests 2005), and only 25% of these includes tree (Bovio & Ascoli 2012). In forests, fire has (e.g., Quercus spp.) that could produce hi- species commonly subject to PB in Euro- been used until the II World War to remove gher timber and landscape values, and have a pean countries. In addition, unlike those in the understory in chestnut orchards (Calabri lower flammability. other countries (e.g., Fernandes et al. 1988). In rangelands, fire has been a com- In Italy, the history of fire management has 2012a), only 18.4% of Italian private indus- mon practice to control shrub and tree en- been dominated by fire control polices, often trial plantations belongs to large companies, croachment until the beginning of the 20th at the expense of investments in silvicultural firms and industries (INFC 2005); the inte- century (Conedera & Krebs 2010), e.g., by prevention (Bovio 2006). In several coun- rest of small landowners in financing mea- eliminating Swiss stone pine in low-density, tries outside Europe, the transition from fire sures of preventive silviculture is much more grazed larch forests (Ali et al. 2005, Schulze control to fire management policies, which limited. et al. 2007). Fire scars on old larch trees include PB, occurred as a result of catastro- (Fig. 1) preserve the memory of this practice phic fires that caused much distress in fire- Socio-cultural issues (Genries et al. 2009). The use of fire in these fighting systems (McArthur 1969, Kilgore The fear of fire is one of the greatest limits areas has declined in the last century, due to 1976, Pyne 1997). Likewise, PB in southern to PB in Italy (Calabri 1988). Professionals the decrease of livestock units and the im- Europe received a boost after large fires in are afraid to lose control of the flame front provement in farming methods. However, summer 2003 and 2005, when a novel fire (Leone et al. 1999). Susmel (1973) argues shepherds throughout the Alps still practice management approach, integrating wildfires that centuries of detrimental fire use, espe- it occasionally (Conedera & Krebs 2010). within prescription, the planned application cially by shepherds, have contributed to exa- This habit is controversial: on one hand, bur- of fire, and traditional fire uses (e.g., pastoral cerbate the public perception of fire and fire ning helps maintaining the pastures, on the burning) to meet the overall objectives of use. In particular, after a long history of fire other it is now applied surreptitiously in high land management, was developed (Silva et use, the socio-economic changes that occur- fire danger seasons resulting in unclear ef- al. 2010). In Italy, however, critical seasons red in rural areas at the end of the 16 th cen- fects on the ecosystem and ultimately higher such as the summer of 2007 (227 729 ha tury changed the way fire was being used in costs for fire control systems (Ascoli & Bo- burnt, the worst season of the last 30 years - agriculture and livestock breeding, and have vio 2010a). These issues are common in Schmuck et al. 2011) have not lead to signi- been affecting negatively its social accep- central and southern Italy (Delogu & Ca- ficant investments in land planning and fuel tance (Calabri 1981, Delogu & Cabiddu biddu 2009), where the fire is widely used to management (Delogu 2012). Rather, fire 2009, Conedera & Krebs 2010). remove stubble and regenerate pastures (Fig. suppression policies have been progressively Fire has long been used for agro-silvo-pas- 2). Irresponsible or illegal use of fire is a ma- enforced by significant amounts of public toral purposes in Italy (Sereni 1981). In the jor cause of wildfire in southern Italy (Ca-

Fig. 1 - Multiple Giovannini & Lucchesi 1997, Bovio et al. fire scars on a larch 2001, Rutigliano et al. 2007), have been li- trunk. In grazed mited for similar reasons (Mazzoleni & Es- larch forests of the posito 1993). Alpine region it is common to ob- Advances in prescribed burning served old larch in- in Italy dividuals with over- Despite the aforementioned issues, most lapped fire scars at authors have insisted on the need to update the trunk base indi- the legislation and set up long-term multi- cating recurrent fires disciplinary studies to test PB for different due to pastoral burn objectives in representative ecosystems of practices to maintain Italy (Susmel 1973, Calabri 1981, Buresti & open forests. Sulli 1983, Stefani 1985, Massaiu 1999, Le- one et al. 1999, Senatore 2000). However, in the recent years the regulations changed (Bo- vio & Ascoli 2012). Different regions updated their legislation on wildfire, forest ma- labri 1988, Mazzoleni et al. 2001, Lovreglio servation (100%). Management actions must nagement and fire control planning (Fig. 3), et al. 2010). Among southern European be authorized and comply with regulations introducing the possibility to authorize ex- countries, Italy has the highest percentage of and forest management plans. The longest periments and applications of PB (Delogu unintended fire ignitions (Catry et al. 2010), standing of such regulations, i.e., RDL 3267/ 2009, Leone & Lovreglio 2009, Valese & accounting for nearly 80% of the causes 1923 on soil conservation, categorically ban- Held 2009, Micillo 2012). Since 2009, PB (Tab. 2). It is commonly thought that most ned the use of fire from forests (Calabri can be authorized even within Regional ignitions are criminal (Lon 2012). However, 1988). Parks (Ascoli et al. 2012), National Parks this belief leads to underestimate the issues PB was rarely mentioned in national regu- and State Reserves, and today 6 out of 24 of poorly regulated use of fire for agricultu- lations concerning either wildfire or silvicul- National Parks include PB in their Fire Ma- ral and pastoral purposes (Lovreglio et al. ture (Calabri 1988, Leone et al. 1999). The nagement Plans (Fig. 3). 2010, Razzoli 2011). An example is provi- first national law for wildfire protection A review of 236 normative documents dea- ded by the 2007 fire season: 43.2% of unin- (e.g., L. 47/1975) left the matter of PB un- ling with fire and forests (Bovio & Ascoli tentional ignitions were attributed to negli- regulated. Similarly, regional laws that au- 2012) evidenced that PB is currently ad- gence in stubble burning, while pastoral fires thorized PB were initially issued in only a dressed in 14 Italian Regions, albeit with a were behind 31.1% of intentional ignitions - few regions of Italy (Buresti & Sulli 1983). remarkable heterogeneity in terminology, or probably more, since 56.6% of them had While France and Portugal introduced PB in objectives and administration. The use of an unknown cause (Schmuck et al. 2008). their national laws in year 2001 and 2004, fire for wildfire hazard reduction is acknow- The uncertainty on causes of wildfire fuels respectively (Lázaro 2010), in Italy the se- ledged by all Regions (100% of the docu- public alarm (Lovreglio et al. 2010), so that cond national law on wildfire (L. 353/2000) ments), and is prescribed for the reduction of the use of fire is now a cultural taboo among failed to address the matter (Bovio & Ascoli litter in coniferous forests, especially in professionals (Delogu & Cabiddu 2009), 2012). Calabri (1981) and Leone et al. Mediterranean areas, and for fuel manage- who also share a lack of knowledge on the (1999) argued that the absence of clear gui- ment in shrubby and herbaceous firebreaks ecological effects of fire, and of PB in parti- delines in PB regulations, especially concer- (Bovio & Ascoli 2012). Other objectives, cular (Leone et al. 1999). ning the attribution of responsibilities in the such as range management, habitat conserva- use of fire, has de facto prevented its imple- tion are less represented (Fig. 4a); the use of Legislation mentation even when the interest was there. fire for silvicultural purposes is mentioned In Italy, forests are subjected to land use Field experimentation, which could have only once. The PB authorization process is restrictions, e.g., for hydrogeological protec- provided a better understanding of fire beha- regulated in 60% of the cases, but its plan- tion (87.1% of forest land) or landscape con- vior and effects in Italian ecosystems (e.g., ning (e.g., prescriptions) and the attribution of responsibilities are neglected in most of Fig. 2 - Field and the texts (Fig. 4b). pasture burning in The updated legislation, despite some limi- Sicily. In southern tations, has set the scene for PB experiments Italy fire is com- in many Regions (Fig. 3). Research on PB monly used to eli- and knowledge transfer from science to prac- minate the vegeta- titioners have been encouraged by the active tion along roads, partnership of Firefighting Departments, ad- around houses and ministrations and Italian universities in inter- in open fields. Fire national research projects on integrated fire is applied surrepti- management, such as FIRE PARADOX (De- tiously and rarely logu 2009, Ascoli et al. 2012), ALPFFIRS people managing the (Valese et al. 2011) and PROTERINA-C burn can be ob- (Salis et al. 2012). Italian PB experiences served, resulting in aimed at simultaneously achieve different uncontrolled fires management goals, such as fire hazard re- which spread out of duction and silvicultural prevention (Delogu the area intended to 2009, Leone & Lovreglio 2009, Valese & be burnt. Held 2009, Ascoli et al. 2010), or habitat

iForest (2013) 6: 79-89 82 © SISEF http://www.sisef.it/iforest/ Prescribed burning in Italy

Fig. 3 - The regulatory framework in Italy. Italian Administrative Regions in which prescribed burning has been experimented (light grey), and regional legal framework regulating prescribed burning (updated at 2012): Regio- nal Law in Forest and Fire Management (black circles); Regional Fire Management Plans (crossed grey circle); Fire management Plan of National Parks (white quadrate); Fire and Forest Prescriptions (grey triangle).

restoration and grazing management framed out damaging adult trees (Ascoli et al. 2012). burning, litter fuel load was 47% lower than within programs for the regulation of pasto- The results were encouraging, both in terms the control (Ascoli et al. 2010), and 93% ral uses of fire (Ascoli et al. 2009, Delogu & of stand-scale hazard mitigation (Delogu lower in the herbaceous layer dominated by Cabiddu 2009, Valese et al. 2011, Catalan- 2009, Leone & Lovreglio 2009, Valese & Ampelodesmos mauritanicus (Poir.) Dur. & otti et al. 2010). PB experiences were carried Held 2009, Ascoli et al. 2010), and of fire Schinz - one of the most flammable Mediter- out in different vegetation types and EU effects on soil and vegetation (Catalanotti et ranean species (Grigulis et al. 2005). To priority habitats (Tab. 3 - DH 92/43/CEE). al. 2010, Rutigliano et al. 2010). evaluate the effectiveness of PB treatment in Moreover, most interventions were also used A PB experiment was carried out in a fire- reducing fire hazard, Ascoli et al. (2010) for firefighter and forestry operator training prone Pinus halepensis forest in Cilento e simulated potential wildfire behavior at the (Delogu 2009, Leone & Lovreglio 2009, Vallo di Diano National Park. One year after stand level in treated and untreated areas Valese & Held 2009, Ascoli & Bovio 2010b, Micillo 2012).

Studies on fire hazard reduction and forest management The most common goal of PB experiences in Italy is wildfire prevention (Ascoli et al. 2012). Operations were performed in even- aged plantations of Mediterranean pines (Tab. 3), e.g., Pinus canariensis, P. halepensis, P. pinaster, P. pinea (Delogu 2009, Le- one & Lovreglio 2009, Valese & Held 2009, Ascoli et al. 2010), but also in broadleaf forests, e.g., Eucalyptus sp., Quercus cerris (Catalanotti et al. 2012), and in continental (Ascoli et al. 2007) and Mediterranean (Salis et al. 2012) grasslands and shrub communities. PB in conifer plantations was carried out in winter, with low intensity fires (<150 kW m-1). The aim was to reduce fuel load and Fig. 4 - Percentage of legislative documents regulating prescribed burning in Italy (n. 34 out break fuel continuity in the litter layer, with- of 236 analyzed) by management goal (a) and contents in the text (b). Modified from Bovio & Ascoli (2012). Data are updated to 2012.

Tab. 3 - Prescribed burning experiences in Italy by land management goal and vegetation thorities (i.e., National Forest Service, Re- type. gional Forest Service, Civil Protection), whose interest is to prevent wildfires and Management train staff; (ii) private forest and range own- Vegetation type goal ers, who wish to improve their revenues and Fire hazard - Conifers: Pinus canariensis; P. halepensis; P. pinaster; P. pinea. ensure the safety of their assets; (iii) local reduction - Broadleaves: Castanea sativa; Eucalyptus sp.; Quercus cerris. governments, responsible for land manage- - Mediterranean shrubs (species: Cistus sp.; Spartium junceum). ment and planning; (iv) Park authorities, that - Grasslands (dominant species: Ampelodesmos mauritanicus,Brachypodi- are mostly concerned with the conservation um sp.; Molinia sp.). of specific habitats and landscapes; (v) re- Forest - Quercus cerris high forest. searchers. In some Regions, action was taken to resolve conflicts between the use of pas- management - Picea abies clearcut slash. toral fire and habitat conservation goals, Habitat - European dry heaths with Calluna vulgaris (code HD: 4030, sub. 31.229) such as in EU Natura 2000 sites (Ascoli et restoration encroached by Populus tremula and Betula pendula. al. 2009, Delogu & Cabiddu 2009, Valese et - Semi-natural dry grasslands and scrubland on calcareous substrates (Fes- al. 2011, Catalanotti et al. 2012). In Pied- tuco-Brometalia - *important orchid sites) encroached by Spartium mont, an experimental program for the con- junceum. servation of Calluna vulgaris Hull. (cod. - Eastern sub-mediterranean dry grasslands (Scorzoneretalia villosae) 4030, Habitat Directive 92/43/CEE) has (cod. HD: 62A0). been carried out since 2005 by combining - Lowland hay meadows (Alopecurus pratensis, Sanguisorba officinalis - PB and grazing treatments (Ascoli et al. cod. HD: 6510). 2009). Heathlands are a cultural landscape Grazing - Grazed Quercus suber. whose conservation, once helped by periodic management - Grasslands (dominant species: Molinia arundinacea; Brachypodium pastoral fire, is now threatened by its irra- spp.). tional application (Borghesio 2009). Upland Fire fighters All types heathlands originated in the early Middle training Ages from deforestation by fire, and have been preserved thanks to continued mowing, using PiroPinus, a decision support system intensity was significantly reduced in pre- grazing and periodic use of fire on small for PB in Mediterranean pine forests scribed burnt vs. untreated areas of 74% and areas (Ascoli et al. 2009). Today, livestock (Fernandes et al. 2012b). Moderate, high and 80% for backfire and headfire, respectively. density reached a minimum, and fire is being extreme fire weather conditions were simu- They showed that PB in heathland fuels is used during the period of maximum danger lated by using the 70th, 90th, 97.5th percentiles effective in reducing fire hazard at the stand (i.e., in late winter), with a consequent in- of the fine dead fuel moisture distribution as level up to 3 years after treatment (Ascoli et crease in area burned (Borghesio 2009). This estimated by PiroPinus (i.e., 11%, 9% and al. 2007, Ascoli & Bovio 2010b). In Sardi- fire regime is in part a consequence of fire 8%, respectively). Under the 97.5th scenario, nia, PB was applied in 2011 to create a net- bans and the loss of traditional knowledge simulated headfire rate of spread, flame work of strategic fuel breaks to protect the (Ascoli & Bovio 2010a). Shepherds ignite length and intensity in treated areas were re- city of Nuoro (Salis et al. 2012). Fuel breaks fires surreptitiously, when they are sure that spectively 25%, 69% and 88% lower than in grass fuels, for a length of 12.5 km, were the fire will self-sustain and spread, so as to the control. The effect was attributed both to realized before the beginning of the summer be able to leave the scene. These uncontrol- the reduction in surface fuel load, and to the high fire danger season. The study showed led fires burn under severe fire weather and breakup of vertical continuity among fuel an average 90% fuel load reduction. The spread over areas far greater than those ne- strata (Ascoli et al. 2010). An analysis of fire analysis of the effectiveness of fuel breaks in cessary for pasture management. The com- effects on soil did not evidence changes in mitigating fire risk at the landscape scale bination of frequent fire and infrequent gra- the microbial community and organic carbon was carried out using the FARSITE fire zing causes the encroachment of fire-resi- content, except for short-term effects in the growth model (Finney 2004). It showed that lient tree species (e.g., aspen Populus tremu- fermentation layer (Catalanotti et al. 2010, fuel breaks performed well in mitigating la L.) at the expense of the heather (Ascoli & Rutigliano et al. 2010). Similar results were simulated fire behavior under low to mode- Bovio 2010a). observed after PB in a Pinus pinaster stand rate fire weather conditions, but poorly un- PB and grazing treatments have been re- in the Cilento Park (Catalanotti et al. 2010). der extreme weather (Salis et al. 2012). This plicated on small blocks since 2005 in col- PB for managing firebreaks in herbaceous study stressed the effectiveness of PB in laboration with local shepherds, with the aim and shrub fuel beds was experimented in maintaining strategic fuel breaks, which may of controlling invasive grass (Lonati et al. highly fire-prone areas, in order to evaluate ease the action of fire fighting operators and 2009) and tree species (Ascoli et al. 2013b), its effectiveness in mitigating fire behavior at provide them with anchor points for tactical restore the heathland habitat, and establish the stand (Ascoli et al. 2007) and landscape fire use. prescriptions to regulate pastoral fire (Ascoli scale (Salis et al. 2012). Ascoli & Bovio et al. 2009). After 7 years of monitoring, re- (2010b) tested the effectiveness of pre- Studies in grazing management and sults were encouraging. Medium intensity scribed burning in reducing fire hazard in habitat conservation fires (500-1500 kW m-1) caused high morta- heathland-grass fuels, one of the most flam- While fire prevention is the most common lity of aspen stems. Yearly grazing allowed mable fuel types in northern Italy. They ana- goal of PB in Italy, it has often been inte- to control fire induced resprouts, and resul- lyzed fire behavior in field fire experiments grated by other objectives of local interest, ted in a tree basal area 72%, 80% and 86% under moderate weather conditions during such as range management and habitat con- lower than that in the fire-only, goat brow- the winter high fire danger season. A com- servation (Ascoli et al. 2012). Most of the sing-only and control treatments, respective- parison was made between areas treated with Italian experiences are in fact the result of ly, allowing the heather to recover (Ascoli et PB within 3 years, and control areas where collaboration between stakeholders with dif- al. 2013b). time since fire was up to 14 years. Fireline ferent interests and roles: (i) firefighting au- A similar program has been implemented

iForest (2013) 6: 79-89 84 © SISEF http://www.sisef.it/iforest/ Prescribed burning in Italy since 2008 in the Cilento Park (Ascoli et al. Fig. 5 - Prescribed 2012) for the restoration of pastures encroa- burning in encroached by Spartium junceum L., and the con- ching Spartium servation of semi-natural dry grasslands junceum shrubland (cod. 6210 - Festuco-Brometalia *important in the Cilento and orchid site, HD 92/43/CEE). Experimental Vallo di Diano Park. burn sites have been chosen in agreement The prescribed with local shepherds, who use fire regularly burning was carried in the area. Two hectares were treated in out in February 2009 and 8 ha in 2011 (Fig. 5). Assessment 2011 at Sella del of the effect of PB on soil, flora (Catalanotti Corticato. The burn et al. 2012) and fauna (Romano et al. 2010) covered an are of 8 followed. Catalanotti et al. (2012) used ther- ha with the objec- mocouple measurements (K-Type) to analy- tive to prevent pas- ze the relationships between flame tempera- toral fire use, open ture residence times and fire effects in the encroached areas for soil. Because of high temperature on litter grazing and re-es- surface (850°C), with a mean residence time tablish grassland above 100°C of 428 seconds, an alteration in habitats. microbial biomass and activity was found in the fermentation layer and, temporarily, also opportunities for training firefighting per- and Spain (Ascoli et al. 2012). in the soil beneath. The author conclude her sonnel. Courses were held between 2007 and Classroom and field training sessions for analysis stressing the importance of adequate 2012 in Basilicata (Leone & Lovreglio PB planning, application and monitoring control of fuel moisture levels when apply- 2009), Tuscany (Valese & Held 2009), Pied- provided operators with new proficiencies ing intense fire treatments to minimize heat mont (Ascoli & Bovio 2010b), Campania and analytical skills: (i) a greater understan- transfer to soil and the need for fire use pre- (Ascoli et al. 2012) and Liguria (Micillo ding of the principles of fire ecology in fo- scriptions targeted to this habitat (Catalanotti 2012). In Sardinia, an institutional team was rest ecosystems and of fuel management for et al. 2012). licensed in 2008 for the use of fire (Mastros fire prevention; (ii) the ability to analyze and Valese et al. (2011) analyzed fire behavior de Fogu), for both prescribed burning and anticipate the behavior of the flame front as during PB in pastures subjected to recurrent fire suppression (Delogu & Cabiddu 2009). a function of vegetation, meteorological and pastoral fires in the southeastern Alps. Burn Courses were held by both Italian and for- topographical variables; (iii) the ability to conditions were more conservative than in eign professionals, such as Portuguese GIFF use models (e.g., fire behavior fuel models) Catalanotti et al. (2012): soil temperatures (http:// www.giff.pt/website/) for the training and decision support tools (e.g., fire danger were between 0-5°C and duff moisture con- in Campania (Ascoli et al. 2012) or the ratings, fire behavior simulators); (iv) prac- tent was 187% (dry weight basis). Fire tem- French Office National des Forêts in Liguria tical procedures for flame front control, wor- peratures were measured using thermo- (Micillo 2012 - Fig. 6). Recently, selected kers’ safety and post-fire restoration. These couples (K-Type), positioned at the soil sur- operators from firefighting services of Tus- results confirm the high potential of PB in face and within the organic soil. Maximum cany and Lombardy have attended training Italy for the training of firefighting personnel flame temperature at the soil surface was courses on PB, in collaboration with the (Calabri 1981) and professional positions 620°C and residence time above 100°C was Catalan GRAF, and the latter practiced the such as the Director of fire control opera- 45 seconds. Maximum temperature in the technique during a study tour in Cataluña. tions and the Fire Analyst (Delogu & Ca- soil was 19.5°C, and mean residence time Despite initial skepticism on the technique, biddu 2009, Valese & Held 2009), which are between 5 and 20°C was 171 ± 60 seconds. as we previously summarized (Leone et al. widely recognized and developed in Euro- These results suggest that heat transfer to the 1999), awareness and interest of professional pean (Molina et al. 2010) and extra-Eu- soil can be strongly mitigated by suitable operators on the subject is increasing. In this ropean countries with highly specialized fire duff moisture prescriptions (Valese et al. process, a key role was played by training management systems (Kobziar et al. 2009). 2011). visits of Italian personnel to France, Portugal A prominent example of a participatory program to resolve pastoral fire use conflicts Fig. 6 - Prescribed has been implemented in Sardinia (Delogu & burning training in Cabiddu 2009), as documented on film by Liguria. The trai- Ribet (2008). In Sardinia, fire is still an im- ning course started portant cultural practice, and is considered in October 2011 an effective tool for the disposal of agro- ended with a field forestry residues, stubble, and for rangeland training in March improvement. The Regional Forestry Service 2012 within a col- is gradually implementing an integrated fire laboration between management approach (Delogu 2012) to the Corpo Forestale support shepherds, include pastoral fire dello Stato (Imperia within a broader fire management strategy, Province), the Li- and, at the same time, train the operators in guria Region and the expert use of fire (Delogu & Cabiddu the Office National 2009, Salis et al. 2012). de Forêt of Corse. (Photo: G. Casti- Experiences in firefighter training glione, CFS - All PB experiences in Italy have provided Imperia).

Challenges of prescribed burning all vegetation area is low, most of the treated however, appropriate regulations must be is- in Italy areas are not encountered by a fire and so sued at the regional level, which clarify: (i) This review shows that prescribed fire cannot be effective. Consequently, the low administrative responsibilities; (ii) authoriza- could be applied in Italy for multiple and in- fire incidence in Italy (e.g., 1.29% - Tab. 2) tion procedures of PB projects, homoge- tegrated objectives: (i) managing fuel breaks seems to not justify a PB strategy at the na- neous at the national level, quick and flexi- in fire-prone areas with herbaceous and tional level. However, fire management is ble in order to exploit the narrow window shrub fuel beds; (ii) periodically reducing lit- set by Regional administrations (Bovio & suitable for operations; (iii) safety measures; ter fuels in mature conifer forests exposed to Ascoli 2012) which identify local priority (iv) specialists required. Bovio & Ascoli recurrent fires; (iii) supporting pastoral acti- areas where wildfire incidence is high and (2012) emphasized the need to regulate PB vities and range management; (iv) promoting where PB, implemented in a strategic spatial at the national level by updating the legisla- conservation of habitats and cultural land- design (Price 2012), could be effective. tion on forests, parks and wildfire, and pos- scapes where periodical fire is an important Moreover, the landscape fragmentation and sibly framing it in a European directive on ecological factor; (v) firefighters training. relatively less severe fire weather which the use of fire (Montiel-Molina 2012). Fi- The integrated and multidisciplinary appro- characterize the Italian territory may increase nally, as is customary in other countries, it is ach adopted in most of the described expe- PB effectiveness, as reported for other sou- necessary to design a professionals certifica- riences has allowed overcoming some issues thern European countries (Vilén & Fernan- tion system for the planning, use and analys- that had been identified in the past (Calabri des 2011). Deepening these issues could im- is of PB, that incorporate aspects of ecology 1981, Stefani 1985, Leone et al. 1999). The prove PB planning for fire hazard reduction and forest management, fire behavior predic- following outcomes have resulted: (i) parti- in highly fire-prone areas of Italy. tion, and fire control operations (Delogu cipatory processes in sharing PB objectives, Research on the effects of PB regimes in 2009, Valese & Held 2009, Bovio & Ascoli methods and results; (ii) knowledge transfer specific habitats and forest ecosystems could 2012). between stakeholders; (iii) better definition be viewed as an opportunity for developing There are many issues to address in order of authorization protocols, technical proce- new research ideas in forest ecology. The to integrate PB in land management plans in dures, and attributed responsibilities; (iv) re- Italian landscape has changed dramatically Italy. This work provides a synthetic frame- covery of traditional knowledge (Ascoli et in the recent decades. Abandonment of agri- work on this subject of international interest. al. 2012). cultural and forest activities in mountain We anticipate it to have positive effects on Similar results have been obtained from the areas has been affecting biodiversity (Sitzia future research and application of prescribed established practice of PB in Europe (Silva et al. 2010) and fire risk at the landscape burning in Italy, and contribute to the cur- et al. 2010), where problems and solutions scale (Höchtl et al. 2005). Several authors rent debate on fire prevention vs. fire control were similar to those illustrated for Italy stressed the importance of increasing land- policies and investments (Bovio 2006, De- (Fernandes & Botelho 2004, Bernard-Lau- scape heterogeneity also by means of pre- logu 2012). The increasing costs of fire con- rent & Weber 2007, Davies et al. 2008, scribed fire (e.g., Moreira et al. 2011). Given trol and the paucity of public finances in Lambert 2010, Lázaro 2010, Vélez 2010). the important role that fire has played in fos- Italy should bring under attention the oppor- However, as noticed by several authors (Sus- tering biodiversity in Italian ecosystems tunity for prescribed burning as one of the mel 1973, Calabri 1981, Stefani 1985, Leone (Sereni 1981, Delogu & Cabiddu 2009, available strategies in integrated fire mana- et al. 1999), PB experiences from foreign Conedera & Krebs 2010, Favilli et al. 2010), gement (Moreira et al. 2011, Silva et al. countries must be weighted on the existing there is much research potential on the effec- 2010), in order to face fire issues in a chan- differences in geographic, environmental and tiveness of PB for biodiversity conservation. ging society, landscape and climate. socio-economic conditions. Applying PB in Ascoli et al. (2012) identified several EU Italy requires a thorough knowledge transfer Natura 2000 habitats (code Habitat Direc- Acknowledgments and a body of research based on repeatable tive: 2240, 2270, 4030, 6220, 62A0, 6510, The work was financed by the project experiments, carried out at an adequate spa- 9540), in addition to marshlands dominated PRIN 2009 “in_FLAMING: Developing in- tial and temporal scale, and adopting an by Carex spp. and Phragmites australis novative models and techniques for inte- adaptive approach (Ascoli et al. 2009). (Cav.) Trin., in which appropriate burning grated fuel management for fire prevention Open research questions still remain about prescriptions integrated within management in Mediterranean and temperate forests” (co- where, when and how PB should be planned plans could help establishing disturbance re- ordinator: P. Corona) funded by the Italian and used. In particular, they concern: (i) PB gimes compatible with the conservation of Ministry for Education, University and Re- effectiveness for fire hazard reduction; (ii) biological values. Research is increasingly search. We are grateful to Giorgio Vacchia- prescribed fire regimes which maximize eco- demonstrating the importance of fire for na- no for language revision and comments. systems services while reducing ecological tural regeneration in Italian forests, not only concerns; (iii) technical prescriptions for dominated by early-serial conifers, e.g., La- References burn objective and environment of applica- rix decidua, Pinus laricio, P. halepensis, P. Ali AA, Roiron P, Guendon JL, Poirier P, Terral tion; (iv) smoke diffusion models in the RUI pinaster, P. pinea, P. sylvestris (Saracino et JF (2005). Holocene vegetation responses to fire and in areas with a complex topography; (v) al. 1997, Moya et al. 2008), but also by events in the inner French Alps (Queyras the overall balance of greenhouse gas emis- shade tolerant species, which are usually be- Massif): data from charcoal and geomorpholo- sions, taking into account the mitigation of lieved to display less specific fire-adaptive gical analysis of travertine sequences. The Holo- wildfires; (vi) the costs of PB in comparison traits. For example, single fire events prece- cene 15 (1): 149-155. - doi: 10.1191/09596836 to other established fuel management tech- ding mast years could be one of the most ef- 05hl794rr niques; (vii) the need for communication and fective regeneration pathways in old-growth Ascoli D, Beghin R, Ceccato R, Gorlier A, Lom- citizen awareness on the issues of fire pre- beech (Van Gils et al. 2010, Ascoli et al. bardi G, Lonati M, Marzano R, Bovio G, vention and ecology (Ascoli et al. 2012). 2013a, Maringer et al. 2012). Further ana- Cavallero A (2009). Developing an adaptive As regard fire hazard reduction, the PB ef- lysis could lead to reconsider the use of fire management approach to prescribed burning: a fectiveness in abating the overall burnt area in forests, especially where landscape and long-term heathland conservation experiment in (i.e., leverage) is proportional to the wildfire habitat values are the ecosystem services at north-west Italy. International Journal of Wild- area extent of a specific territory (Price stake. land Fire 18 (6): 727-735. - doi: 10.1071/ 2012). When wildfire incidence on the over- Preliminarily to introducing PB in Italy, WF07114

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