Wildfires are happening more often around the world. They are becoming stronger and last longer. This is because of droughts, heat waves, strong winds, and rising temperatures. According to the World Resources Institute, forest fires now burn more than twice as much tree cover each year as 20 years ago. In 2024, fires hit a record, destroying at least 13.5 million hectares, about the size of Greece. Early 2026 saw severe wildfires in the Southern Hemisphere. Australia had a heat dome with temperatures near 50°C. Fires burnt large areas in Victoria and New South Wales. South America and South Africa also faced deadly fires, threatening people and nature.
To deal with this growing problem, Mr Lal Basnayake has proposed a new approach, speaking exclusively with the Commonwealth Union. He is a retired plantations expert with over 37 years of experience. He has worked with crops like tea, rubber, coconut, and more. He also has strong knowledge of land use and planning. He has worked in Sri Lanka and also led plantation projects in Nigeria, serving as managing director/chief executive officer. His experience helps him suggest better ways to manage land and reduce wildfire risks, such as implementing controlled burns and creating firebreaks to protect vulnerable areas.
Wildfires destroy habitats and kill plants and animals. They release billions of tonnes of CO2 and damage soil and water. Smoke causes breathing problems and over 1.5 million deaths each year. Fires also cause huge economic losses, especially in developing countries, where the destruction of crops, infrastructure, and livelihoods can exacerbate poverty and hinder development efforts. Longer and stronger fire seasons urgently necessitate improved prevention and control measures to safeguard people, nature, and the climate.
People cause approximately 90% of wildfires. Common causes are unattended campfires, burning trash, dropped cigarettes, and sparks from machines or power lines. Natural causes like lightning can also start fires, but this is less common. Fires keep burning because of a chemical reaction called the ‘fire tetrahedron’. To stop a fire, one part of the tetrahedron must be removed. Water cools the heat, clearing land removes fuel, and foam or dirt can block oxygen, helping to put the fire out. Wildfires cause serious damage to nature and people, both immediately and over time.
They release a lot of carbon dioxide. Such activity makes climate change worse. It causes hotter and drier weather. Smoke pollutes the air. It is hazardous for human health. Fires damage soil, water, and forests. The destruction makes it hard for plants and animals to grow again. Many people lose their homes. Some lose their lives. Communities also face stress and money problems.
The goal of this proposal is to prevent wildfires early and control them quickly. This will help protect people, save ecosystems, and reduce the growing number of wildfires around the world today. The proposal presents a complete and possible practical solution to prevent and control forest fires by combining technology, smart planning, and nature-based methods, such as using drones for monitoring, creating firebreaks, and implementing controlled burns.
Changes to Land and Buildings
Better forest planning can help reduce wildfire damage. One key idea is to create wide firebreaks, about 200–400 meters wide, based on land shape and wind patterns. These gaps slow down or stop fires from spreading.
Forests need good roads for firefighters. Quick access helps stop fires faster and reduces damage. High-risk areas should also be mapped and marked. This lets authorities plan ahead and stay alert. Early warnings can be sent to people nearby. Controlled burning or evacuations can keep people safe. Roads can be designed carefully using tools like CAD. This way, firefighters can work efficiently while nature is protected, ensuring that both human safety and environmental integrity are prioritised during wildfire management efforts.
Catching Trouble Early
A new approach to preventing wildfires focuses on finding them as early as possible. It uses modern technology to do this. Solar-powered towers can be placed across forest areas. These towers have 360-degree cameras. They use both normal and thermal cameras to watch for signs of fire, like heat or smoke. AI systems can also be used. They can quickly detect smoke, flames, and unusual temperature changes at an early stage. In high-risk areas, drones can be used. They provide real-time views, helping to detect fires fast and follow how they spread.
All this information is sent through radio frequency (RF) networks. It goes to a central system where it can be monitored and managed. This allows instant alerts to be sent out, enabling a rapid response. By catching fires early, it becomes much easier to control them before they grow and cause serious damage.
Aerial Power Against Wildfire
Another approach is to improve aerial access and quick-response systems. Placing helipads in important locations allows helicopters to reach fire zones faster, especially in remote areas. These helicopters can help spot fires, transport crews, and drop water to control flames.
Using helicopters together with monitoring systems improves overall detection and response. Keeping firefighting helicopters ready at all times ensures faster action. Fire control plans should also consider wind, terrain, time, and nearby areas to reduce how quickly fires spread.
Nature-Based Protection
A simple way to reduce wildfire risk is to create a 50-metre green space around buildings. This can be done by planting fire-resistant plants, like Clusia rosea. These plants hold a lot of water, so they do not burn easily. When planted close together, they form a thick green wall. This barrier can slow down or even stop fire from reaching homes and buildings.
Another useful step is to install high-capacity water cannons and emergency sprinkler systems in these buffer zones. These systems can release water quickly. They help stop small fires before they spread. Do not plant trees and plants that burn easily near buildings. Examples are eucalyptus, pine, cypress, bamboo, arborvitae, and juniper. Buildings should have fire extinguishers. They should also have water storage tanks, both above and below ground. These tanks should be connected to outside sprinkler systems.
This approach provides a possible practical and modern way to prevent and control wildfires. It combines science, technology, and planning to detect and stop fires early, such as using advanced sensors and data analytics to monitor fire-prone areas and implement timely interventions. It might lower the risk of wildfires if used in a whole region or country, but the results are not guaranteed. At the same time, it might also help to protect forests, animals, homes, and businesses. By using these methods, communities can respond faster, cause less damage, and save nature and resources for the future.
