By: Mary E. Boyer, Sana Ikram Sharif, Keiko Sakoda, Sandrine Georgette Christine Jauffret, and Micol Ullman Auger.

As the world faces increasing threats from wildfires and structural fires, the need to protect both communities and ecosystems is more urgent than ever. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, while urban fire risks are escalating due to rapid urbanization and outdated fire safety regulations. In response, the World Bank, together with its Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), is working closely with governments to enhance fire risk management and emergency preparedness and response (EP&R) systems.

Emergency Preparedness and Response and Building Regulations 

Governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of robust EP&R systems in mitigating fire risks, driving demand for analytics, training and knowledge sharing on best practices. The World Bank, through GFDRR, provides tailored assistance to countries to enhance their EP&R capabilities, focusing on integrated, interagency-coordinated responses. This includes the use of critical toolkits such as the Lessons Learned Exercise (LLE) and the Ready2Respond (R2R) Diagnostic, which help countries assess and improve their emergency preparedness, in terms of facilities, personnel, equipment, information systems, and legal frameworks. Countries like Tanzania, Cabo Verde, and Romania have already benefited from these GFDRR EP&R tools, which are proving vital as fire risks grow more complex due to climate change and urban expansion. 

The importance of emergency preparedness was underscored at the World Fire Congress, where fire service professionals from 54 countries gathered to address the growing fire risks. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) played a central role in promoting equity and inclusion within fire services, further deepening partnerships aimed at improving fire risk management globally. This theme was later reinforced by Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell at the Understanding Risk 2024 Global Forum in Himeji, Japan, where she highlighted the evolving risks in the built environment and emphasized the need for continued global collaboration and knowledge exchange. These discussions reflect the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness systems worldwide.  
 

Recognizing the increasing fire risks in urban areas, GFDRR also supports countries in strengthening fire safety regulations through regulatory and institutional reforms. Rapid urbanization and inadequate fire management infrastructure have heightened fire risks, which are exacerbated by outdated building codes and uncoordinated regulations. GFDRR offers diagnostic tools such as the Building Regulatory Capacity Assessment 2.0 (BRCA 2.0) and the Urban Fire Regulation and Mitigation Effectiveness framework (Urban FRAME), and the Building Code Checklist for Fire Safety. These tools enable governments to assess their fire safety standards and identify areas for improvement. For example, India used BRCA 2.0 to assess and improved its fire safety standards and regulations, particularly in high-risk urban areas, showcasing the value of data-driven approaches to fire risk management. 

Sustainable Forestry and Wildfire Management 

In addition to urban fire safety, wildfires are increasingly threatening forest landscapes and community livelihoods. This is especially true in regions like the Mediterranean, which is warming 20% faster than the global average. Countries such as Algeria and Lebanon, where wildfires are increasingly frequent, are receiving targeted support from the World Bank to integrate wildfire risk reduction into broader forest management efforts. 

The World Bank supports countries in adopting community-based wildfire management strategies and strengthening government systems for sustainable forest management. Its programs like the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF); the Global Partnership for Sustainable and Resilient Landscapes (PROGREEN); and the Global Challenge Program on Forests for Development, Biodiversity, and Climate Change; emphasize the importance of integrating wildfire considerations into forest conservation efforts. This integration is crucial not only for preserving forest ecosystems and biodiversity, but also for supporting communities that depend on forests for their livelihoods. 

Photos: US Fire Administration

For example, the Community-based Wildfire Risk Management project in Lebanon aims to enhance wildfire management capacities in vulnerable forest areas, providing valuable lessons for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Additionally, the World Bank is supporting Algeria in piloting a Forest Fire Early Warning System, with potential for national scaling and regional adaptation. 

As fire risks continue to rise due to climate change and urbanization, the World Bank remains committed to helping countries develop robust fire risk management strategies. By focusing on both EP&R systems, urban planning, and sustainable forestry, the World Bank and GFDRR ensures that communities are better equipped to face the challenges of complex fire emergencies, protecting both lives and the environment.