Scientists define best practices for protecting infrastructure from rural fires

The devastating wildfires that have been occurring across Portugal and other parts of the world highlight the pressing need for innovative safety and construction solutions. The 'House Refuge' project, spearheaded by the Association for the Development of Industrial Aerodynamics (ADAI) at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, addresses this challenge. It integrates science, technology, and construction techniques to safeguard lives and properties during disaster situations.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of fires. In extreme cases, civil protection resources may be insufficient. “In light of these challenges, people must adopt effective self-protection measures,” emphasises Miguel Almeida, the project's principal investigator. He explains, “This project seeks to establish best-practice guidelines to help citizens transform their homes into safe refuges. These include passive techniques, such as fuel management and robust construction practices, as well as active measures, like sprinkler systems.”

Buildings in Portugal have been shown to have vulnerabilities that, although repairable, require carefully planned interventions. Over the past few years, the ADAI team has carried out several studies as part of this project and has concluded that traditional houses, if well designed and properly maintained, can serve as safe refuges during forest fires - provided they are surrounded by adequate fuel management areas.

According to the expert, “Current legislation mandates a safety zone of 50 to 100 metres around homes and settlements, but these distances are often insufficient. The project proposes a more flexible, scientifically informed approach, tailored to the topography and specific hazards of each site. For example, in sloping areas, an elliptical safety strip may provide more effective protection than the traditional circular format," he explains.

The project advocates for more frequent use of active self-protection techniques, including sprinklers and innovative systems such as fireproof screens. “When urbanisation or the protection of ecological values restricts the installation of passive safety strips of the legally required or necessary width, water sprinkler systems can serve as an additional barrier against advancing flames, which should be used as a complementary measure to reduce the need for excessively wide safety strips,” explains Miguel Almeida.

The House Refuge project has made significant progress, including compiling national and international legislation on building protection against rural fires and analysing relevant case studies. These efforts are intended to inform and influence future legislative reforms and guide the adoption of better building practices.

Key outputs to date include recommendations for legislation tailored to the Portuguese context and the specificities of the wildland-urban interface. The project has also defined best construction practices to mitigate risks in rural areas and assessed the insurance market's approach to fire risk coverage, highlighting the need for sectoral reforms.

“The House Refuge project represents a significant step forward in Portugal's ability to manage fires at the urban-wildland interface, integrating civil protection, sustainability and technological innovation. With its multidimensional approach, the project aims to promote more resilient communities better prepared for future challenges," concludes the ADAI researcher.