Mega fires: can they be managed effectively?

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of mega fire catastrophic phenomena and bring out some useful aspects for more effective pre‐, during and post‐disaster management of mega fires.

The paper uses two very recent (2007) mega fire cases (Peloponnese – Greece and California – USA) to provide evidence of the magnitude of this kind of disaster and how their impacts can be mitigated if certain management practices are implemented.

Mega fires are major catastrophic events, with multiple impacts for the communities and areas in which they happen. They are very difficult to manage, mainly owing to their magnitude. However, their negative effects and impacts can be mitigated if pre‐, during, and post‐disaster activities and measures are planned and implemented.

This paper could be useful to practitioners and public service managers that are responsible for the development of fire management policies and management of mega fires situations.