Fire risk assessment in East Sardinia, Italy (2024-09-21)

The Italian Department of Civil Protection has activated Risk and Recovery Mapping to assess vegetation status and fire risk before and after the autumn 2024 rainfall. In Sardinia, prolonged water deficits due to declining rainfall have caused significant dryness, particularly affecting Holm oak woodlands (Quercus ilex) and Mediterranean scrub, especially in the eastern region. The summer of 2024 was a critical period with a severely negative water balance. To fully understand the impact, vegetative responses will be monitored post-autumn rains, considering additional factors such as potential parasite presence.