Wildland–urban interface (WUI) fires are an increasing global challenge, and local knowledge is essential for efficient mitigation. In Norway, as for the rest of Northern Europe, wildfires are expected to increase in frequency and severity, which will also increase WUI vulnerabilities. This study analyzes all registered vegetation fires damaging buildings in Norway from January 2016 to April 2023 (74 fires damaging 102 structures), with a case-by-case review of 18 fires impacting two or more structures. We have identified that spring season fires and direct flame contact are the primary contributors to vegetation fires that damage buildings in Norway. We also provide insights from three wildfire exercises with prescribed burns and a post-fire evaluation, providing fire dynamics data on fires in low vegetation while identifying a need to focus on hazards related to juniper vegetation and unmanaged cultural landscapes. This new knowledge is vital for developing effective and targeted prevention measures for Norwegian communities in WUI areas.

WUI guideline for Norway

Norway is a long country where forests, grass, and heather cover vast areas. Approximately 38% of the country's land area consists of forests, and many structures are located near or surrounded by nature. In these wildland-urban-interface (WUI) areas, a wildfire could damage structures and infrastructure. Norway's tradition of constructing houses and cabins from timber adds an extra layer of vulnerability in WUI areas. As part of the EU-funded research and innovation project TREEADS, Norway's first WUI guideline has been developed to strengthen resilience against wildfires.

The guideline is targeted at citizens in WUI areas, and presents measures that may protect built areas from wildfires. The development of the guide is based on an extensive process, including a literature review of WUI guidelines from countries such as the USA, Canada, and Sweden. This review formed the foundation for a list of relevant topics and recommendations, which were further refined through in-person workshops with stakeholders, surveys, and expert consultations. To ensure relevance for Norwegian conditions, the recommendations were adapted to local building traditions and by using insights from past fire incidents, fieldwork, and laboratory experiments. This process resulted in six main recommendations and five supplementary recommendations).

Norge er et langstrakt land der skog, gress og lyngheier dekker store områder. Omtrent 38 % av landets areal består av skog, og mange bygninger ligger i nærheten av eller er omkranset av natur. I denne randsonen mellom natur og bebyggelse, kjent som Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), vil en skogbrann eller annen naturbrann kunne gjøre skade på bygninger og infrastruktur. Det at Norge har en tradisjon for å bygge hus og hytter i trematerialer utgjør en ekstra sårbarhet i den norske randsonen.

I det EU-finansierte forsknings- og innovasjonsprosjektet TREEADS er Norges første randsoneveileder utviklet for å styrke motstandsdyktigheten mot naturbranner. Veilederen er rettet mot innbyggere i randsonen mellom natur og bebyggelse og gir konkrete tiltak for hvordan man kan beskytte bebyggelse mot naturbranner.

Utviklingen av veilederen bygger på en omfattende prosess som inkluderer en litteraturgjennomgang av WUI-anbefalinger fra land som USA, Canada og Sverige. Dette dannet grunnlaget for en liste over relevante temaer og anbefalinger, som videre ble utviklet gjennom fysiske arbeidsmøter med interessenter, spørreundersøkelser og ekspertkonsultasjoner. For å sikre relevans for norske forhold ble anbefalingene tilpasset nasjonale byggetradisjoner og erfaringer fra tidligere branner, feltarbeid og laboratorieeksperimenter. Prosessen resulterte i seks hovedanbefalinger og fem tilleggsanbefalinger.