Iberian Forests Monitored for Fire Risk with New Tech

Researchers in Catalonia developed ForestDrought, a digital tool that measures forest humidity levels across the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands to better predict wildfire risk during heat waves. The platform, created by the Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF), provides daily updated maps showing forest water status and soil moisture.

Recent data indicates increased dryness in Extremadura, western Andalusia, and Castile-La Mancha, despite abundant winter rains initially providing good water reserves. ForestDrought goes beyond traditional fire risk assessments by incorporating live vegetation humidity, trees retain water better than underbrush, and factors in data from meteorological agencies, soil types, topography, and forest structure.

The CREAF team hopes this tool will improve the accuracy of wildfire predictions. Environmental group Zero reported that Portugal experienced a doubling of burned area in 2024 and a higher number of ignitions compared to the previous year, already nearing its 2030 national action plan burn area targets.