Prescribed Burning
Sicily’s first prescribed fire project to prevent wildfires.
Postponed to spring 2026 due to unfavorable weather conditions
We are applying the method of prescribed burning as the first in a chain of actions to restore 3 hectares in Altofonte, Valle di Fico. Experts from DREAM Italia, the University of Palermo, Collettivorewildsicily and the Sicilian Forestry Corps (Corpo Forestrale), together with the local community, are implementing Sicily’s first Prescribed Fire Project to prevent wildfires.
This new project applies ancient old techniques, controlled fire, as a landscape management tool to reduce wildfire risk, and maintain open habitats. By carefully burning excess vegetation under strict safety conditions, the initiative lowers the amount of fine fuel available for uncontrolled fires, making forests more resilient.
- Area: 3 hectares of private land in Valle di Fico, Altofonte.
- Vegetation: Dominated by disa – Ampelodesmos mauritanicus, a fire-adapted but highly flammable Mediterranean grass.
- Goals: reduce fine fuel by over 80% while safeguarding soils and biodiversity.
- Operations: trained AIB brigades equipped with water tankers, pick-ups, drip torches, and portable pumps.
Broader context
1. Today
Prescribed burning is already an established practice in several European countries (Spain, Portugal, France, Sweden) and in Italian regions such as Tuscany and Sardinia. The Altofonte project brings this experience to Sicily.
“This is not fire against nature, but fire for nature,” said project coordinator Luca Tonarelli (DREAM Italia). “By anticipating fire in a controlled way, we reduce the likelihood of devastating summer wildfires and give communities a safer, healthier environment.”
Prof. Donato La Mela Veca (University of Palermo) added: “This project represents a milestone for Sicily. It combines science, tradition, and innovation to safeguard one of the Mediterranean’s most fire-prone landscapes.”
2. Historical and Policy Background
Prescribed fire entered Italian legislation with Law 155/2021, which complements the national wildfire framework established by Law 353/2000. Sicily’s Regional Forestry Plan for 2021–2025 aligns with EU strategies on climate and biodiversity, promoting the sustainable management of forests and pastures. Within this context, the Altofonte project stands out as one of the region’s first pilot initiatives to translate these policies into concrete practice.
