Strategic Fire Analysis
for Operational Decision Support
About the Training School
Empowering the next generation of wildfire analysts, this Training School bridges the gap between complex data and mission-critical action.
By mastering remote strategic fire analysis, participants will learn to transform multi-source intelligence into high-level operational support at both national and European scales. Through an immersive blend of theoretical expertise and intensive real-world simulations, we are building the decision-support framework necessary to navigate the wildfire challenges of tomorrow.
Training Modules & Expert Instruction Team
"Each module is designed to align with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) standards, ensuring that the analytical techniques taught are directly applicable to European-scale emergency coordination."
Foundations of Strategic Fire Analysis
Establishing a common operational language by defining the core principles of strategic fire analysis. This module explores the critical environmental and physical variables that govern fire behavior and provides the framework for high-level decision support.
Fuel Dynamics & Biophysical Monitoring
An in-depth analysis of dead and live fuel complexes. Participants will examine how fluctuating weather patterns influence fuel availability and master modern methodologies for monitoring fuel moisture content, a key determinant in fire intensity and spread.
Fire Weather & Atmospheric Drivers
Bridging meteorology and fire science. This module covers essential meteorological variables, the drivers of pyroconvection, and the interpretation of technical products such as meteograms and Skew-T log-p diagrams to anticipate extreme fire weather.
Fire Modeling & Fire Reconstruction
Leveraging advanced simulators to reconstruct historical events and project hypothetical scenarios. This practical module focuses on the calibration of models to improve the accuracy of fire behavior simulations in diverse landscapes.
Multi-Scale Remote Sensing & Earth Observation
Integrating multi-source imagery into the response phase. From the high resolution of UAVs (drones) and aerial surveys to the broad coverage of satellite data, participants will learn to synthesize remote sensing streams for real-time situational awareness.
Operational Forecasting & Decision Support
The capstone module focusing on the synthesis of analytical tools to predict fire movement and behavior. Through the lens of real-world case studies, participants will practice remote fire analysis to generate actionable intelligence for strategic forecasting.
Expert Instruction Team
Key Dates
Venue & Location
The Heart of European Crisis Management
The NERO Training School will be held at the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) in Brussels, Belgium.
Operating within the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the ERCC serves as the operational hub of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. It monitors hazards globally and coordinates the deployment of specialized teams and equipment, making it the ideal environment for a school focused on high-level operational decision support.
Getting There
- From Brussels Airport (Zaventem): Direct train to Brussels Schuman or Brussels Central (approx. 20-30 mins).
- From Brussels South (Gare du Midi): Direct metro connection (Line 2 or 6) to Arts-Loi or Maalbeek.
- Local Transport: The ERCC is a short walk from the Arts-Loi and Maalbeek metro stations.
Security & Access
Important Note for Participants. As the ERCC is a high-security facility within the European Commission:
- Identification: A valid Passport or National ID card is required for entry every day.
- Security Clearance: Only officially invited participants (via e-COST) whose names are on the security list will be granted access.
- Arrival: Please plan to arrive 20 minutes early on the first day to clear security protocols.
We recommend booking accommodation in the European Quarter or near Brussels Central for the most convenient commute.
Participation & Financial Support
Funding & Trainee Places
The Training School offers 20 fully funded places for trainees.
- Registration: Free of charge for all selected participants.
- Limitation: Maximum 2 participants from the same country.
- Reimbursement: All trainees will receive financial support for travel and subsistence, governed by the COST Annotated Rules.
Requirement
To be eligible for reimbursement, participants must be NERO members (or join the network until the registration deadline), and formally accept the official invitation sent via the e-COST platform following the selection announcement.
Selection & Evaluation Process
The selection and evaluation committee, comprising the WG3 Leader, the Action Chair and Vice Chair, and one trainer, will evaluate all applications using a structured 100-point scoring system. By applying to the school, candidate trainees acknowledge and agree to be evaluated according to this framework.
| Scoring Breakdown | Max Points |
|---|---|
| NERO Membership Verified as of 23 February 2026 |
10 pts |
| Education & credentials Highest educational qualification & professional certifications |
10 pts | Professional Experience Years of professional experience & current role in organization |
30 pts |
| Technical Background Level of experience with relevant skills/tools/data |
20 pts |
| Motivation Strength and clarity of motivation to attend the school |
30 pts |
Still Have Questions?
If you have specific inquiries regarding the curriculum, eligibility, or local logistics in Brussels, please do not hesitate to reach out to our organizing team.
Contact the Organizing Committee
Contact persons: Theodore M. Giannaros (thgian [at] noa [dot] gr) & Fábio Silva (fabio84silva [at] gmail [dot] com)