Forest fire motives in Sardinia through the perception of experts

Abstract

Wildfires statistics for Sardinia (Italy) exhibit a very high number of unknown causes: all merged, they account for about 78%. In order to reduce their number, which really hinders any preventive approach, we tested Delphi method, the structured communication technique which relies on a panel of experts.. Results, obtained in collaboration with the Regional Forestry Service (CFVA), put in evidence the concordance among the highest frequency of motifs in regional statistics, as from CFVA databases and those resulting from Delphi survey. Our study reveals a modest prevalence of intentional causes (53 % of total number), also on a provincial basis, v. unintentional ones (46%). All of them can be classified as negligent use of fire in agriculture, namely stubble (or other agricultural wastes) burning, inappropriate or uncontrolled mop-up , negligent use of motors, open flames, electric or mechanical devices, non compliance with regional reglements concerning fire prevention and control. Voluntary fires are also related with agriculture and a traditional rural society, in which fire is a well rooted tool.