Sierra Leone

In the area you have selected (Sierra Leone) the wildfire hazard is classified as high according to the information that is currently available to this tool. This means that there is greater than a 50% chance of encountering weather that could support a significant wildfire that is likely to result in both life and property loss in any given year. Based on this information, the impact of wildfire must be considered in all phases of the project, in particular during design and construction. Project planning decisions, project design, construction and emergency response planning methods should take into account the high level of wildfire hazard. Note that damage can not only occur due to direct flame and radiation exposure but may also include ember storm and low level surface fire. In extreme fire weather events, strong winds and wind born debris may weaken the integrity of infrastructure. It would be prudent to consider this effect in the design and construction phase of the project. Further detailed information specific to the location and planned project should be obtained to adequately understand the level of hazard.

Climate change impacts: Modeled projections of future climate identify a likely increase in the frequency of fire weather occurrence in this region, including an increase in temperature and greater variance in rainfall. In areas already affected by wildfire hazard, the fire season is likely to increase in duration, and include a greater number of days with weather that could support fire spread because of longer periods without rain during fire seasons. Climate projections indicate that there could also be an increase in the severity of fire. It would be prudent to design projects in this area to be robust to increases in the severity and frequency of wildfire hazard. Areas of very low or low wildfire hazard could see an increase in hazard, as climate projections indicate an expansion of the wildfire hazard zone. Consider local studies on the impacts of climate change on wildfire trends, before deciding whether to design projects to withstand fire of greater intensity than those previously experienced in this region.

Recommendations

  • REGULATIONS: Check with local authorities for any local regulations concerning wildfire hazard. Ensure that the project conforms to 1) any applicable wildfire land use planning regulations; 2) any applicable building regulations 3) any existing plans for warning and evacuation; and 4) any national laws, regulations and rules. More information
  • INSURANCE: For Wildfire risk that cannot be mitigated, consider insurance products that can be used to account for the loss probability and recovery rate of the asset in question. Indemnity against legal action in response to wildfires caused by the project during its development and operation should also be considered. More information
  • DO NOT INCREASE HAZARD: Human activities and the operation of certain machinery can increase the potential for wildfire ignition. Policies and procedures should consider the potential for wildfire ignition, particularly during the days where weather conditions are conducive to Wildfire spread. More information
  • WILDFIRE RISK MITIGATION: Wildfire risk mitigation can be achieved through a combination of strategies which involve site location, site design, fuel management, building design and emergency response. More information
  • LOCATION ASSESSMENT and PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE: The high-level information available in this tool indicates the potential for weather that could support wildfire spread in your project area. Before committing significant resources to this project, a professional study of both the local fire weather potential, fire history and capacity of the surrounding landscape to support wildfire should be considered. More information
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