Proposal For EU Fire Causes Classification Scheme

Deliverable 3
Determination of forest fire causes and

harmonization of methods for reporting them
Contract number: 384 340
Deliverable 3:
Proposal of a harmonized classification scheme for EU
DRAFT
Due date of report: Month 16 Actual submission date: 20/04/10
Start date of project: 4th December 2008 Duration: 24 months
Organisation name of lead contractor for this deliverable: Cemagref (P1)
Members of the Consortium: Cemagref (P1), ONF (P2), Fraunhofer-IAIS (P3),

IBIMET CNR (P4), FRI/IBL (P5), NICIF (P6), SFI/GIS (P7), GMV (P8)
Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije

Slovenian Forestry Institute
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This document must be cited:
Ganteaume A., Jappiot M., Duché Y., Savazzi R., Bonora L., Conese C., Piwnicki J., Lourenço L., Bento-
Gonçalves A., M., Ferreira A., Suarez-Beltran J., 2010. Proposal of a harmonized classification scheme for
EU. Deliverable D 3. Contract number 384 340 “Determination of forest fire causes and harmonization for
reporting them”. European Commission-JRC, p 57.
BACKGROUND
The European Community, represented by the Commission of the European Communities, represented by the
Director of the Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), and
Cemagref, a French public institution, in consortium with:
- Office National des Forêts (ONF),
- Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung-IAIS,
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di biometeorologia (IBIMET CNR),
- Forest Research Institute – Instytut Badawezy Lesnictwa (FRI/IBL),
- Núcleo de Investigaçao Cientifíca de Incêndios Florestais (NICIF),
- Slovenian Forestry Institute - Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije (SFI/GIS),
- GMV Aerospace and Defence SA,
following the call for tender N°IES/H/2008/01/153999/OC of 05/06/2008 and the contractor’s tender, have
entered a contract, the subject of which is a service on “ Determination of forest fire causes and harmonization of
methods for reporting them”. The contract was signed on 04/12/2008.
Considering the heterogeneity of national classification schemes and the relatively limited scope of the EU
classification scheme (limited to four categories), a pan-European approach on the analysis of forest fire causes
was needed. In this context the Institute for Environment and Sustainability funded the project for the
determination of forest fire causes and harmonization of methods for reporting them, with the aim of providing
an analysis of the spatial and temporal distributions of causes and the identification of the main driving factors
affecting fire occurrence in the different European regions. The project includes: (i) the review of studies on fire
causes in the scientific literature in the field of forest fire causes, (ii) the analysis of fire causes classification
schemes currently adopted in Europe and elsewhere, (iii) the proposal for a harmonized classification scheme for
EU, (iv) the conversion of the data stored in EU fire database into the new scheme, (v) the analysis of geospatial
and temporal distributions of the forest fire causes in Europe, and the identification of the main driving factors of
fire occurrence and (vi) the delivery of resulting datasets and related metadata ready to be implemented in
EFFIS.
The present deliverable (D1.1: State of the art- Draft-) due at month 6 and the following (D1.2: State of the art –
final report-) due at month 12, concern the first part of the project (i) mentioned above.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In this deliverable, the new classification scheme is given using a logical approach to build it. This approach is
based on the analysis of the different national schemes given in the previous deliverable D2.2.
The new scheme is composed of two fields and of three levels for the second field. The first field gives the level
of knowledge of the cause. It is composed of four classes: (i) certain, (ii) uncertain, (iii) not specified and (iv)
unknown. The second field details the causes. Its first level gives the nature of the cause and is composed of six
classes: (i) unknown, (ii) natural, (iii) rekindle, (iv) accident, (v) negligence and (vi) arson. The three last classes
of causes involve directly or indirectly human activities. The second level of the new scheme gives the source of
the ignition for the classes “natural” and “accident”. For the class “negligence”, it differentiates the ignition due
to the use of fire or to the use of glowing object. For the class “arson”, it differentiates the responsibility or the
irresponsibility of the person having set the fire. The third level gives the detailed reasons for the class
“negligence” and the detailed motivations for the class “arson”.
Clear and unambiguous definitions of each term used in the new scheme are necessary to avoid any
misunderstanding during the process adapting the national scheme to the new scheme. For each national scheme
available, guidelines are given to make easier this process. These guidelines are necessary, especially when
different causes in the national scheme have to be merged in one cause in the new scheme or when a cause in the
national scheme has to be split in several causes in the new scheme. The guidelines also explain the changes of
level or of class sometimes necessary to pass from one scheme to the other.
The new scheme must allow the reconstruction of time-series of each national database. Thus, each cause in the
national scheme has been recoded in the new scheme.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Consortium wishes to thank the following persons for their advice and contribution to this deliverable:
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5
2 The harmonized classification scheme............................................................................... 5
3 Definitions of causes .......................................................................................................... 3
4 Guidelines........................................................................................................................... 7
4.1 France ......................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Greece....................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Italy........................................................................................................................... 11
4.4 Portugal .................................................................................................................... 12
4.5 Spain......................................................................................................................... 13
4.6 Bulgaria .................................................................................................................... 14
4.7 Cyprus ...................................................................................................................... 15
4.8 Czech Republic ........................................................................................................ 16
4.9 Finland...................................................................................................................... 18
4.10 Latvia........................................................................................................................ 20
4.11 Lithuania................................................................................................................... 21
4.12 Poland....................................................................................................................... 22
4.13 Romania ................................................................................................................... 25
4.14 Slovakia.................................................................................................................... 26
4.15 Slovenia.................................................................................................................... 27
4.16 Sweden ..................................................................................................................... 28
4.17 United Kingdom....................................................................................................... 29
5 Reconstruction of time-series........................................................................................... 30
5.1 France ....................................................................................................................... 30
5.2 Greece....................................................................................................................... 33
5.3 Italy........................................................................................................................... 34
5.4 Portugal .................................................................................................................... 35
5.5 Spain......................................................................................................................... 38
5.6 Bulgaria .................................................................................................................... 40
5.7 Cyprus ...................................................................................................................... 41
5.8 Czech Republic ........................................................................................................ 43
5.9 Finland...................................................................................................................... 45
5.10 Latvia........................................................................................................................ 47
5.11 Lithuania................................................................................................................... 48
5.12 Poland....................................................................................................................... 49
5.13 Romania ................................................................................................................... 51
5.14 Slovakia.................................................................................................................... 52
5.15 Slovenia.................................................................................................................... 53
5.16 Sweden ..................................................................................................................... 54
5.17 United Kingdom....................................................................................................... 55
6 Conclusion........................................................................................................................ 57
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1 Introduction
The state of the art on fire causes (Task 1 of the project) showed a strong heterogeneity
between the fire causes of the different EU countries. Moreover, the four classes of causes
used in the European classification are too restrictive and do not detail enough the reasons or
motivations of the ignition of a wildfire. This review also allowed the identification of the
main driving factors of fire ignition for certain countries over the world (Deliverable D1.2).
The Analyses of the different classification schemes in Task 2 provided a first analysis of the
drawbacks and weaknesses of these schemes in each EU country. Different approaches of
classification were found among the countries’ schemes such as the approach without any
hierarchy of the causes, the approach based on the investigation to find the cause or the
approach based on prevention. On this basis, the two main approaches were chosen
attempting to draw a new harmonized classification scheme, one based on the use of fire
identifying precisely the cause and the ignition factor, the other based on the active
intervention of man in the ignition of fire (Deliverable D2.2).
The new classification scheme has to be based on widely agreed categories of causes with
clear and unambiguous definitions and enough detailed (at least 3 levels) so that they could
eventually be adopted by the Member States and easily integrated in their national system.
Among the requirements, the reconstruction of the time-series must be possible.
2 The harmonized classification scheme

The new classification scheme will be chosen regarding of the analysis of the different
schemes of the EU countries carried out in task 2. The approach based on the ignition source
(use of fire) seems to be a better way to get good information for a lot of European databases
in contrast to the other option where the motivations are sometimes hard to find. The number
of fires recorded in each class of the different databases will also be determinant in the choice
of the new scheme.
The Italian Corpo Forestale dello Stato is currently developing a new way of investigation of
fire causes using a rational procedure for the detection of forest fire causes. This procedure
takes into account the supposed and possible causes but also the certain causes detected on the
fire scene or derived from analyses and investigation. To draw the new harmonized
classification scheme, the previous rational procedure by dichotomous key will be used taking
into account the scheme option previously chosen (Fig. 1). At the beginning of the procedure,
the investigation and the specification of the point of origin (ignition), but also possibly, the
discovery of the ignition device, will allow a level of certainty in the detection of the fire
cause. In a higher level, if the point of ignition is specified, the cause is certain and how the
fire was generated can be defined, either by natural causes or by human causes. In some case,
even with a given point of ignition, the cause cannot be found (Unknown). If the point of
ignition is not specified, the cause is uncertain and how the fire was generated is just
supposed. If the point of ignition is not detected, the cause is unknown.
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Once the cause of the fire is known, in the next level, the investigation allows finding why the
fire was generated, the reasons in case of unintentional fires or the motivations in case of
intentional fires. These reasons or motivations can be detailed in a further level.
The new classification scheme obtained in this way is composed of 2 fields. The first field
gives the level of knowledge of the causes recorded, detailed in 4 classes:
- Certain when the cause is sure after investigation
- Uncertain (supposed, likely) when the investigation has not led to a precise point of ignition
or to a certain cause, but when different elements from this investigation let think about a
cause.
- Not specified when the database does not specify if the causes are certain or supposed or
both
- Unknown when no investigation or when the point of ignition is not found or when the cause
is not found
The second field is composed of 3 levels of causes.

The first level gives the type of causes detailed in 6 classes:
- Unknown
- Natural
- Rekindle
- Accident
- Negligence
- Arson
The last three classes of causes involve directly or indirectly human activities.
The second level of the new scheme gives the source of the ignition for the classes
“natural” and “accident” (2 classes for the natural causes and 7 classes for the accidental
causes). The most frequent causes are given in the new scheme and the less frequent ones can
be coded in a class “Other natural” or “Other accident”. For the class “negligence”, this
second level differentiates the ignition due to the use of fire or to the use of glowing object.
For the class “arson”, it differentiates the responsibility or the irresponsibility of the person
having set the fire. For the intended causes, the class “Unidentified arsonist” is used when the
level of responsibility is not specified.
The third level gives the detailed reasons for the class “negligence-use of fire” (in 4
classes including a class “Other use of fire”) or “negligence-use of glowing object” (in 4
classes including a class “Other use of glowing object”) and the detailed motivations for the
class “arson-responsible” (in 7 classes including a class “Motivation unknown” when the
motivation is not specified) or “arson-irresponsible” (in 2 classes).
Regarding of the last level, the analysis of the databases of the different EU countries allowed
the selection of the motivations/reasons the most frequently encountered that will be part of
the new scheme. Some classes have been created to simplify the previous scheme and merge
several existing causes of a same topic for instance.
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Investigation
YES NO
Point of origin specified Unknown
YES
Unknown
Certain
Unknown
Natural
Rekindle
Accident
Negligence
Arson
NO
Not specified
Uncertain
Unknown
Natural
Rekindle
Accident
Negligence
Arson
Not detected
Figure 1: Rational procedure used to find the fire causes Unknown
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The new classification scheme:
1st field: level of knowledge of the cause

- Certain (sure)
- Uncertain (supposed, likely)
- Not specified
- Unknown
2nd field detailed in 3 levels of causes

1. Unknown
2. Natural
2.1 Lightning
2.2 Other natural
3. Rekindle
4. Accident
4.1 Electrical power
4.2 Railroads
4.3 Vehicles
4.4 Works
4.5 Use of weapons
4.6 Self-ignition of vegetation wastes
4.7 Other accident
5. Negligence
5.1 Use of fire
5.1.1 Vegetation management
5.1.2 Waste management
5.1.3 Recreation
5.1.4 Other use of fire
5.2 Use of glowing objects
5.2.1 Fireworks, firecrackers and distress flares
5.2.2 Smokers
5.2.3 Hot ashes
5.2.4 Other use of glowing object
6. Arson
6.1 Responsible
6.1.1 Interest (Profit)
6.1.2 Conflict (revenge)
6.1.3 Vandalism
6.1.4 Excitement
6.1.5 Crime concealment
6.1.6 Extremist
6.1.7 Motivation unknown
6.2 Irresponsible
6.2.1 Mental illness
6.2.2 Children
6.3 Unidentified arsonist
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3 Definitions of causes
The definitions of each term of this scheme must be clear and unambiguous to avoid any
misunderstanding during the process adapting the national scheme to the new scheme. Some
examples, coming from the different classification schemes of the EU countries, are also
given to make these definitions clearer. Sometimes, definitions of causes used by FAO or by
other institutions, such as the Canadian Committee on Forest Fire Management or the
National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) of the FBI Academy (USA),
were used or improved to be more adapted to the scheme.
The first field of the new scheme is composed of 4 classes:
(i) Certain - The known cause is certain (sure), the point of ignition and the ignition device
have been specified by investigation.
(ii) Uncertain - The known cause is not certain (supposed, likely) when the point of ignition
is specified but the ignition device has not been found during the investigation.
(iii) Not specified - The database does not specified if the causes are certain or supposed or
both
(iv) Unknown - The cause is not determinable (unidentified) because the ignition device or
the point of ignition have not been found during the investigation or because the investigation
has not been conducted. Fires classified in this category can only be classified in the category
1.”Unknown” of the other field.
The second field of the scheme is composed of 3 levels:

The first level is composed of 6 classes of causes:
1. Unknown –Wildfire with a cause not found. In this class are also coded the wildfires with a
cause not specified at all such as “Other known causes” or “Other monitored causes” or
“Others” as well as the causes not related at all to forest fires used a few countries.
2. Natural - Any wildfire caused by natural origin, with no human involvement in any way
(lightning, volcanic activity for instance).
At a second level, the natural causes are composed of 2 classes:
2.1 Lightning - Wildfire caused directly or indirectly by lightning.
2.2 Other natural – Wildfire caused by another natural cause than “Lightning”. In
this class are coded the wildfires due to volcanism as those coded in the Italian classification.
On the contrary, wildfires due to “Sun” as those coded in the Finnish classification do not
belong to this class but to the class “Accident” (See below). In the same idea, fires due to self
ignition of piles of waste are not considered as natural because man is involved by creating
the pile of waste, even if nobody brought the fire to that pile afterwards.
3. Rekindle - Wildfire caused by re-ignition of a previous fire badly put out by the fire
fighters, due to latent heat, or embers.
4. Accident - Wildfire unintentional and indirectly caused by human without use of fire,
connected neither to will nor to negligence rather to fatality.
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At a second level, the accidental causes are composed of 7 classes:
4.1 Electrical power - Wildfire caused by sparks due to failure of electric lines and
other electric wirings: short-circuits due to contact between two lines or between line and
vegetation or bird, fall of the line, etc.
4.2 Railroads (Railways) - Wildfire caused by sparks emitted by train brakes or fall
of catenaries. It has to be linked with the operation of train. Fires lit intentionally or not by
passengers or railroad company employees (by smoking, managing vegetation, etc.) are not
classified in this category and have to be classified in the category corresponding to “what
these persons did” to set the fire (and not to “where they were”).
4.3 Vehicles - Wildfire caused by exhausts (expulsion of glowing carbon deposits, hot
catalytic converter) and brakes of vehicles travelling along the road, or by road incidents
(burning motor for example) or traffic accidents.
4.4. Works - Wildfire caused by sparks emitted by engines and machinery (such as
chainsaw) in industry, forestry and agriculture or people at work (explosions, welding,
grinding, smouldering) or by ignition of flammables and vapours during works in industrial
activities for instance.
4.5 Use of weapons (firearms, explosives, etc.) - Wildfire caused either by military
exercises (firing, explosions) or by citizens using firearms (in hunting activities for instance)
or explosion due to explosives during works.
4.6 Self-ignition (auto-combustion) - Wildfire caused by self-ignition of agricultural

and forestry vegetation wastes left in piles. On the contrary, wildfires caused by self-ignition
of wastes other than vegetal are coded in the class “Waste management” (See below) and
wildfires caused by self-ignition of other products (coals, etc.) are coded in the class “Other
accident”.
4.7 Other accident - Wildfire caused by other accidental cause (Other technical
incidents) than those previously defined. In this class are coded the wildfires due to “Sun” as
those coded in the Finnish classification because the sun alone does not allow the ignition but
need an object like a piece of glass. The class “Glass” of the Portuguese classification is
coded in this class like the classes “Friction energy” and “thermal reaction of the chemical” of
the Finnish classification or “Self-ignition of coal” of the Czech classification and “Frictions”
of the Swedish classification.
5. Negligence - Wildfire unintentionally caused by human using fire or glowing object, not
connected to fatality.
At a second level, negligence is composed of 2 classes:
5.1 Use of fire - Wildfire unintentionally set by people making fire especially for
cleaning or recreation. The difference between “arson” and this category is that the fire is
initially voluntarily set for a specific purpose and not in order to destroy the natural area. To
be classified in this category, the fire has to escape and become out of control.
At a third level, the use of fire is detailed in 4 classes:
5.1.1 Vegetation management - Wildfire caused by any kind of vegetation
burnings for private, agricultural, forestry, pastoral (pasture regeneration) purposes including
prescribed burnings, burning of slashes or of piles of vegetal waste.
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5.1.2 Waste management - Wildfire caused by garbage burnings in official or
illegal dumps (dunghill) including private, industrial and commercial. In this class are also
coded wildfires due to self-ignition of garbage.
5.1.3 Recreation - Wildfire caused by people engaged in a recreational activity

(vacationing, fishing, picnicking, non-commercial berry picking, hiking, and hunting) setting
barbecues, bonfires and campfires of any kind (for cooking, heating, etc).
5.1.4 Other negligent use of fire - Wildfire caused by other use of fire than
those previously defined. In this class are coded the wildfires due to “bonfires at work” and
“Other bonfires” of the Portuguese or Cyprus’s classifications, due to “facility fires” of the
Slovenian classification, and due to “Candle” of the Finnish classification.
5.2 Use of glowing objects - Wildfire unintentionally set by people using glowing
objects such as (i) fireworks, (ii) cigarettes, (iii) hot ash handling by residents or (iv) during
working activities such as apiculture, fumigation or disinfection or when expulsion of
firebrands out of chimney.
At a third level, the use of fire is detailed in 4 classes:
5.2.1 Fireworks, firecrackers and distress flares - Wildfire caused by
fireworks with or without preventive measures, by firecrackers and by distress flares
regardless of who lit it.
5.2.2 Smokers - Wildfire caused by cigarettes and tobacco pipe regardless of

the activity or the location of the smoker. It includes the fires set by the match used for
lighting the cigarette and negligently thrown away by the smoker, but not the cases where a
cigarette has been used as a retardant to set an arson fire.
5.2.3 Hot ashes- Wildfire caused by hot ash handling by people after a
barbecue or a fire. This class is related to the recreational activities, hot ashes related to work
are classified in the following class.
5.2.4 Other use of glowing object - Wildfire caused by other use of glowing
object than those previously defined. In this class are coded the wildfires due to working
activities such as apiculture, fumigation or disinfection or due to glowing firebrands expulsed
out of chimneys regardless of the building for instance.
6. Arson (intentional-deliberate) - Wildfire intentionally caused by human with the use of

fire.
At a second level, the intentional causes are composed of 2 classes depending on the
level of responsibility of the person having set the fire:
6.1 Responsible - Wildfire wilfully ignited by people over the legal age which burns
or spreads to vegetation or property without consent of the owner.
At a third level, the class “Responsible” is detailed in 7 classes (the first six
classes coming from the classification given by the National Center for the Analysis of
Violent Crime (NCAVC) of FBI Academy (USA)):
6.1.1 Interest (profit) – Wildfire set for profit, either directly for monetary
gain or from a goal other than money: fraud, insurance, liquidate property, dissolve business,
inventory, employment, parcel clearance, competition for agricultural, forestry, hunting and
pastoral purposes to frighten wildlife, to get a job in the fire fighting area, to change land-uses
or to get a better salary as fire-fighter, etc.
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6.1.2 Conflict (revenge) - Wildfire set in retaliation for real or perceived

injustice or wrong:
- Personal revenge: use of fire to retaliate for a one-to one or personal grievance,
argument, fight, personal affront or any of infinite arrays of events perceived by the
offender to warrant retaliation.
- Societal retaliation: use of fire in revenge against the society that the author perceives
has wronged him.
- Institutional: fire against institutions or use of fire to settle grievances with the
institution and to intimidate those associated with the institution.
- Group retaliation: fire as expression of anger towards the group or its members rather
than anger at a specific individual within the group.
- Intimidation.
6.1.3 Vandalism - Malicious or mischievous fire setting that results in damage

to property: wilful and malicious mischief or peer group pressure.
6.1.4 Excitement (incendiary) -. Wildfires set to gain attention and to meet

the needs of being important (author is sometimes the “hero” type). Seeking of thrill,
attention, recognition, relieve of boredom. Fires lit in order to admire the spectacle of
extinguishing means like airplanes fall into this category.
6.1.5 Crime concealment - Wildfire set to hide or conceal the primary crime
activity: murder, suicide, breaking and entering, embezzlement, larceny, destroying records.
Fires set as diversionary tactic (as currently recorded in Portugal or Spain) fall into this
category.
6.1.6 Extremist - Wildfire set to further social, political or religious causes:

terrorism, discrimination, riots/civil disturbance.
6.1.7 Motivation unknown – Wildfire set by people given as responsible but

whom motivation is not specified. In this class, are coded wildfires due to “Other deliberate”
of the Portuguese classification or due to “Arson by convicted person” of the Slovakian
classification.
6.2 Irresponsible - Wildfire caused by people not responsible for their actions
because under legal age or mentally ill.
At a third level, the class “Irresponsible” is detailed in 2 classes:
6.2.1 Mental illness - Wildfire caused by people in case of pyromania or other
mental illnesses.
6.2.2 Children - Wildfire set by children (under legal age) for game or
entertainment.
6.3 Unidentified arsonist - The ignition device has been found and the fact that the
fire is intentional is proved, but the arsonist is not identified so his responsibility is not
known. Wildfire caused by other classes of arson than those previously defined when the level
of responsibility is not specified, as it is often the case in the different national classifications
classifying only one class “Arson” (Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, etc).
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4 Guidelines
It was difficult to adapt all the national schemes in one same new scheme, especially for the
national scheme that are not detailed (Finland for instance) or that are composed of causes too
global ranged on different classes (the cause “Transport-technological sparks” in Bulgaria for
instance) or of causes not detailed at all (e.g. “Other known causes” in several national
schemes). The class “Hunter” of some national schemes (Greece, Bulgaria) was also difficult
to adapt in the new scheme. Indeed, this class codes the fires set by hunters, unintentionally or
intentionally with different motivations that are not always specified.
In an annex Excel file, overall guidelines are presented for the national classification schemes
available. However, when a cause in the national scheme is not found in the new scheme or
when the national scheme is very different from the new scheme, the following guidelines
better detail the way to adapt the new scheme, especially when causes have to be merged or to
be split but also when a cause changes of class (for instance a cause previously recorded in the
class of causes “negligence” changes for the class “arson”). Indeed, as the architecture of the
new scheme, composed of 3 levels, often differs from the architecture of the different national
schemes (especially when they are composed of just one level), most of the causes will
change of level in the new scheme.
4.1 France
National classification
The national scheme with 2 levels has to be adapted to the new scheme with 3 levels.
1st field
Level of knowledge of the cause

Certain x
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
The class FR-3 “Accidental” of the national scheme has to be split in 2 classes: 4. “Accident”
and 5. “Negligence” in the new scheme
FR-3.4 “Garbage dump” has to change of level and be classified at the third level of the new
scheme in the class 5.1.2 “Waste management”
The classes FR-3.5 “Forest works”, 3.6 “Agricultural works”, 3.7 “Industrial or craft works”
and 3.8 “Private works” have to be split in different classes. At the second level, fires due to
machinery have to be classified in 4.4 “Works” in the class “Accident” whereas fires due to
vegetation burnings have to be classified at the third level, in 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”
in the class “Negligence”.
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FR-3.9 “Leisure activities” has to be split in different classes at the third level of the new
scheme: fires due to barbecue and stove have to be classified in 5.1.3 “Recreation”, fires due
to fireworks and firecrackers have to be classified in 5.2.1 “Fireworks, firecrackers and
distress flares” and fires due to children’s games change of class and have to be classified in
6.2.2 “Children” in the class “Arson”. Same thing for the class FR-3.10 “Throwing of
incandescent objects” that has to be split in different classes at the third level of the new
scheme: fires due to butt have to be classified in 5.2.2 “Smokers”, fires due to warm ashes
have to be classified in 5.2.3 “Hot ashes” and fires due to distress rockets have to be classified
in 5.2.1 “Fireworks, firecrackers and distress flares” of the class “Negligence”.
S.E classification
The regional scheme with 3 levels has to be adapted to the new scheme with 3 levels.
1st field

Certain x
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
In the new scheme, no differentiation is made between private and professional works,
between agricultural, forestry, industrial, public and craft works. The causes directly or
indirectly related to human activities have to be classified in the two classes of the first level
of the new scheme: 4. “Accident” and 5. “Negligence”.
Detailed causes of the third level due to electric lines (FR-SEc-211 and 212) have to be
merged in one class of the second level of the new scheme 4.1 “Electrical power”. Same thing
for the detailed causes due to vehicles (FR-SEc-231 and 232) that have to be merged in one
class 4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class “Machinery”, previously coded in different classes of “negligence/involuntary”, is

now classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.4“Works” in the class “Accident”.
All types of vegetation burnings have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one
class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management” regardless of the type of work. Same thing for the
detailed causes due to garbage dump (FR-SEc-241 and 242) that have to be merged at the
third level of the new scheme in one class 5.1.2 “Waste management”. This cause, previously
in the class “Accident” is now classified in the class “Negligence”.
FR-SEc -521 “Children’s games, firecrackers” has to be split in 2 classes: fires due to children
change of class and has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 6.2.2
“Children” in the class “Arson”. Fires due to firecrackers have to be merged with FR-SEc -
522 “Fireworks” and FR-SEc -533 “Distress rocket” in one class 5.2.1”Fireworks,
firecrackers, distress flare”.
All types of smoking have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one class 5.2.2
“Smokers”.
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Deliverable 3
In the class of causes FR-SEc -3 “Arson”, the detailed motivations related to “Conflict” have
to be merged in one class 6.1.2 “Conflict” and the detailed motivations related to “Interest”
have to be merged in one class 6.1.1 “Interest”. FR-Sec-33 “Pyromania” has to be classified
in 6.2.1 “Mental illness”.
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Deliverable 3
4.2 Greece
The national scheme with 1 level has to be adapted to the new scheme with 3 levels.
1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
GR1-2 “Military exercises” and GR1-3 “Use of explosives” have to be merged in one class of
the second level of the new scheme 4.5 “Use of weapons”.
GR1-4 “Sparks from engines” has to be split in different classes if the origin of the spark is
known: 4.2 “Railroads”, 4.3 “Vehicles” and 4.4 “Works”. If not specified, this class has to be
classified in 4.7 “Other accident”.
GR1-12 “Hunters” has to be split in different classes depending on the origin of the fire, in the
class 4.5 “use of weapon” at the second level of the new scheme and in the classes 6.1.2
“Conflict” or 5.1.1”Interest” at the third level of the intended causes.
GR1-13 “People working in the country side” has to be split in 2 classes: at the second level
of the new scheme in 4.4 Works” and at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.1
“Vegetation management”.
class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
GR1-14 “Pyromaniac”, GR1-16 “Psycho” and GR1-17 “Mental ill” have to be merged in one
class 6.2.1 “Mental illness” at the third level of the new scheme.
GR1-18 “Other known” is not specified; this class has to be merged to the class GR1-19
“Unknown” and be classified in the class 1.”Unknown” of the new scheme.
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Deliverable 3
4.3 Italy
1st field

Certain x
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
All types of smoking have to be merged in one class at the third level of the new scheme in
5.2.2“Smokers”.
All types of vegetation burnings have to be merged in one class at the third level of the new
scheme in 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
IT-3202 “Fireworks, firecrackers, explosives” has to be split in 2 classes: fires due to
explosives have to be classified in the class 4.5 “Use Of weapon” at the second level of the
class “Accident” and fires due to fireworks and firecrackers have to be classified in 5.2.1
“Fireworks, firecrackers and distress flares” at the third level of the class “Negligence”.
IT-3203 “Machinery”, 3204 “Military or firing exercises” and 3206 “Electric lines” have to
change of class and be classified in the class “Accident” in 4.4 ”Works”, 4.5 “Use of
weapons” and 4.1 “Electrical power”.
IT-3207 “Other carelessness” is not detailed; this class has to be classified in the class
5.”Negligence” at the first level of the new scheme as there is no other detail on the
carelessness.
In the class of causes “Arson”, the detailed motivations have to be classified at first, according
to the level of responsibility in the second level of the new scheme and then in different
classes of the third level:
IT-4001 to 4006 and 4008 have to be merged in one class 6.1.2 “Conflict”,
IT-4007, 4101 to 4003, 4105 and 4108 have to be merged in one class 6.1.1 “Interest”,
IT-4104 has to be classified in the class 6.1.4 “Excitement”,
IT-4009, 4106 and 4107 have to be merged in one class 6.1.6 “Extremist”,
IT-4109 has to be classified in the class 6.2.1 “Mental illness”.
D 3 - Version 1 – 06/03/10 11
Deliverable 3
4.4 Portugal
1st field

Certain x
Uncertain
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
All types of garbage burnings have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one
class 5.1.2 “Waste management”.
class 5.1.1“Vegetation management”.
All types of fireworks have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one class
5.2.1 “Fireworks, firecrackers and distress flares”.
All types of bonfires have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one class 5.1.3
“Recreation”, except for work purpose and others that have to be merged in one class 5.1.4
“Other use of fire”.
All types of smoking have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one class5.2.2
“Smokers”.
PT-16“Apiculture” and PT-17 “Chimney” and their detailed causes have to be merged at the
third level of the new scheme in one class 5.2.4 “Other use of glowing object”.
PT-21 “Transport and communication” is not coded in the new scheme.
PT-213 “Muffler and PT-214 “Road accident” have to be merged at the second level of the
new scheme in one class 4.3 “Vehicles”.
PT-22 “Machinery” and the detailed causes PT-221 to 227 have to be merged at the second
level of the new scheme in one class of the second level 4.4 “Works”.
The detailed causes PT-231 to 234 have to be merged at the second level of the new scheme
in one class of the second level 4.5 “Use of weapons”.
PT-235 “Glass” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.7 “Other
accident”.
PT-3 “Structural” and PT-4 “Incendiary” have to be merged at the first level of the new
scheme in one class 6. “Arson”.
PT-31 “Hunting and wildlife” and PT-33 “Land use” are not coded in the new scheme.
However the detailed cause PT-312 and 333 to 335 have to be merged at the third level of the
new scheme in one class 6.1.1 “Interest” and PT-311 and 336 as well as PT-445 and 446 have
to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one class 6.1.2 “Conflict”.
The detailed cause PT-444 has to be classified in the class 6.1.4 “Excitement”.
The detailed cause PT-448 has to be classified in the class 6.1.3 “Vandalism”.
The detailed cause PT-441 has to be classified in the class 6.1.5 “Crime concealment”.
The detailed cause PT-417 has to be classified in the class 6.2.1 “Mental illness”.
The detailed cause PT-412 and 413 has to be classified in the class 6.2.2 “Children”.
The different unknown causes (PT-610, 620 and 630) have to be merged at the first level of
the new scheme in one class 1. “Unknown”.
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Deliverable 3
4.5 Spain
1st field

Certain x
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
In the new scheme, “Agricultural burning”, “Pastoral burning”, “Bush burning” and “Forest
works” are not coded. All types of vegetation burnings have to be merged at the third level of
the new scheme in one class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
All types of garbage burnings (ES-260 and 270) have to be merged at the third level of the
new scheme in one class 5.1.2 “Waste management”.
ES-240 “Campfires” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in5.1.3
“Recreation”.
ES-291 “Apiculture” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.2.4 “Other
use of glowing object”.
ES-293 “Hot air balloon” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.4
“Other use of fire”.
ES-294 “Kid games” changes of class and has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme in the class 6.2.2 “Children” in “Arson”.
The class ES-296 “Fires due other negligence cause” has to be classified at the first level of
the new scheme in 5.”Negligence” as there is no other detail on the cause.
The detailed causes ES-332 and 333 have to be merged at the second level of the new scheme
in one class 4.3 “Vehicles”.
The other causes ES-330, 331, 334 and 335 have to be merged at the second level of the new
scheme in one class 4.4 “Works”.
ES-340 “Army manoeuvres” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.5
“Use of weapons”.
In the class of causes “Arson”, the detailed motivations have to be classified at first, according
to the level of responsibility in the 2nd level and then in different classes of the 3rd level:
ES-401, 402, 404, 405, 409, 411, 412, 420 have to be merged in one class 6.1.1 “Interest”.
ES-403, 406, 407, 408, 414, 416, 421, 422, 423 have to be merged in one class 6.1.2
“Conflict”.
ES-418 has to be classified in the class 6.1.4 “Excitement”.
ES-419 has to be classified in the class 6.1.3 “Vandalism”.
ES-415 has to be classified in the class 6.1.5 “Crime concealment”.
ES-413, 417 have to be merged in one class 6.1.6 “Extremist”.
ES-410 has to be classified in the class 6.2.2 “Mental illness”.
ES-600”Restart of fire” has to be classified in 3. “Rekindle”.
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Deliverable 3
4.6 Bulgaria
1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
BG-3 “Military shooting” and BG-4 “Explosion works” have to be classified at the second
level of the new scheme in 4.5 “Use of weapon”.
BG-5 “Transport-technological sparks” has to be split in different classes of the second level
of the new scheme depending on the origin of the sparks: sparks from trains in 4.2
“Railroads”, sparks from vehicles in 4.3 “Vehicles”, sparks from agricultural or forest
machineries in 4.4 “Works”. If not specified, this class has to be classified in 4.7 “Other
accident”.
BG-7 “Cigarette” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.2.2 “Smokers”.
BG-8 “Dunghill” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.2 “Waste
management”.
BG-12 “Tourist” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.3
“Recreation”.
BG-13 “Hunters” has to be split in different classes depending on the origin of the fire, in the
class 4.5 “use of weapon” of the second level if the fire is due to firearms and at the third level
in the classes 6.1.2 “Conflict” or 6.1.1 ”Interest” if due to an intended cause.
BG-14 “Workers at open air” has to be split in different classes depending on the origin of the
fire, at the second level in the class 4.4 “Works” if the fire is due to sparks and at the third
level in the class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management” if the fire is due to vegetation burning.
BG-15 “Pyroman/psychopath” and BG-16 “Children” have to be classified at the third level in
6.2.1 “Mental illness” and 6.2.2 “Children” in “Arson”.
BG-17 “Other Known Reason’ is not detailed; this class has to be merged to the class BG-18
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Deliverable 3
4.7 Cyprus
1st field

Certain
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
CY-2 “Known” is not coded in the new scheme.

The class CY-2.2 “Anthropogenic (Arson)” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in the class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist” as the level of responsibility is not specified.
The class CY-2.3 “Anthropogenic (Negligence/accidental)” has to be split into 2 classes of
the first level of the new scheme: 4.“Accident”and 5.“Negligence”.
In the new scheme, agricultural, forestry, hunting, military, residential recreation activities,
travelling or car/motorcycle racing are not coded.
All types of vegetation burnings, regardless of the activities, have to be merged at the third
level of the new scheme in one class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
All classes “Burning of rubbish” have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in
one class 5.1.2 “Waste management”, regardless of the activities.
All classes “Cigarettes or matches” have to be merged in one class at the third level of the
new scheme 5.2.2 “Smokers”, regardless of the activities.
All classes “Lighting of fire for food preparation” have to be merged at the third level of the
new scheme in one class 5.1.3 “Recreation”, regardless of the activities.
All classes “Lighting of fire” have to be merged in 5.1.4 “Other use of fire”, except in a
recreational context (CY_2.3.3.c and CY_2.3.10.c) that have to be merged at the third level of
the new scheme in one class 5.1.3 “Recreation”.
All classes “Use of electrical tools or machinery”, regardless of the activities, have to be
merged at the second level of the new scheme in one class 4.4 “Works”.
The causes CY-2.3.6.1.g and 2.3.9 have to be merged at the second level of the new scheme
in the class 4.1 “Electrical power”, regardless of the activities.
All classes “Car accident” have to be merged at the second level of the new scheme in one
class 4.3 “Vehicles”, regardless of the activities.
CY_2.3.5.a “Gunshot/artillery” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
the class 4.5 “Use of weapons”.
All classes “Children” have to change of class and have to be merged at the third level of the
new scheme in one class 6.2.2 “Children” in the class “Arson”
All classes “Other” are not detailed; these classes have to be merged to the class CY-1
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Deliverable 3
4.8 Czech Republic

1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
The classes CZ-0 “Unsolved, still under investigation” and CZ-5 “No further investigation”
have to be merged at the first level of the new scheme in one class 1.”Unknown”.
The classes CZ10, 11 and 13 have to be merged at the second level of the new scheme in one
class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist” as the level of responsibility is not specified.
The class CZ-12 “Children up to 15 years” has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme in one class 6.2.2 “Children” in the class “Arson”.
The class CZ-20 “Smoking” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme 5.2.2
“Smokers”.
The class CZ-21 “setting fires, grass burning” has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
The class CZ-24 “Use of flammable liquids, gases” has to be classified at the second level of
the new scheme in 4.4 “Works”.
The class CZ-25 “Use of naked flame” has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme 5.1.4 “Other use of fire”.
The class CZ-26 “Glowing ashes handling” has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme 5.2.3 “Hot ashes”.
The classes CZ-27 to 29, CZ-50 to 54 and CZ-59 have to be merged at the second level of the
new scheme in one class 4.4 “Works”.
The classes CZ-30, 31, 32 and 33, related to chimney, have to be merged at the third level of
the new scheme in one class 5.2.4 “Other use of glowing object”.
The class CZ-55 “Discharge of static electricity” has to be classified at the second level of the
new scheme in 4.7 “Other accident”.
The class CZ-56 “Sparks from exhaust A372/ brake” has to be classified at the second level of
the new scheme in 4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class CZ-60 “Self-ignition of agricultural products” has to be classified at the second
level of the new scheme in 4.6 “Self-ignition” while self-ignition of wastes has to be
classified at the third level of the new scheme 5.1.2 “Waste management”. Self-ignition of
other products has to be merged at the second level of the new scheme in one class 4.7 “Other
accident”.
The class CZ-73 “Explosion of explosives” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in 4.5 “Use of weapons” while explosion of other products has to be merged at the
second level of the new scheme into one class 4.4 “Works”.
The classes CZ-80 to 87 and 89, related to flammable substances handling, have to be merged
at the second level of the new scheme in one class 4.4 “Works”.
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Deliverable 3
The classes CZ-90 to 92, related to lightning, have to be merged at the second level of the
new scheme in one class 2.1 “Lightning”.
The class CZ-93 “Natural disasters” has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme in
2.”Natural causes”.
The class CZ-94 “Traffic accidents” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme
in 4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class CZ-95 “Military exercise, fireworks” has to be split in two classes: fires due to
military exercises have to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.5 “Use of
weapons” while fires due to fireworks have to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme 5.2.1 “Fireworks, firecrackers, distress flares”.
The class CZ-99 “Other causes” is not detailed and has to be merged to the classes CZ-0 and
CZ-5 and be classified at the first level of the new scheme in the class 1. “Unknown”.
The classes CZ-22, 23 and CZ-40 to 43 are not related to forest fires and have to be recoded at
the first level of the new scheme in the class 1. “Unknown”.
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Deliverable 3
4.9 Finland
Classification scheme used in the Finnish database
This national scheme with 1 level has to be adapted to the new scheme with 3 levels.
1st field

Certain
Uncertain x
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
FI2-01 “Human activities” has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme in the class
5. “Negligence”.
FI2-11 “Animal” is not coded in the new scheme and fires have been recorded in this class in
the database. So this class has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme in 1.
“Unknown”.
FI2-12 “Natural event” has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme in 2. “Natural”.
The class FI2-13 dealing with machines has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in 4.4 “Works”.
The class FI2-14 “Inflammable material” has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme in 4.4 “Works”.
The class FI2-19 “Other known causes” is not detailed; this classes has to be merged to the
class FI2-99 “ Unknown” and be classified in the class 1.”Unknown” of the new scheme.
Classification scheme sent by the Fire expert

1st field

Certain
Uncertain x
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
FI1-2 “Sun” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.7 “Other accident”
and not in 2.2 “Other natural” as the sun alone cannot set a fire; its effect has to be associated
to a piece of glass or other material.
All types of prescribed burnings have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in one
FI1-6“Burning of trash” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.2
“Waste management”.
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Deliverable 3
FI1-7 “Campfire” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.3
“Recreation”.
FI1-8 “Candle” and FI1-10 “Matchstick” have to be merged at the third level of the new
scheme in one class 5.1.4 “Other use of fire”.
FI1-9 “Cigarettes and tobacco” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in
5.2.2 “Smokers”.
FI1-11 “Electricity” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.1
“Electrical power”.
FI1-12 “Sparks” has to be split in different classes at the second level of the new scheme,
depending on the origin of the sparks: sparks from trains in 4.2 “Railroads”, sparks from
vehicles in 4.3 “Vehicles”, sparks from engines and machineries in 4.4 “Works”, sparks from
electric lines in 4.1 “Electrical power”. If not specified, this class has to be classified in 4.7
“Other accident”.
FI1-13 ”Explosion energy” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.7
FI1-14 “Firework” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.2.1
“Fireworks, firecrackers and distress flares”.
FI1-15 “Hot object” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.2.4 “Other
use of glowing object”.
FI1-16 “Friction energy” and FI1-17 “Thermal reaction of chemical” have to be merged at the
second level of the new scheme in one class 4.7 “Other accident”.
FI1-18 “Welding” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.4 “Works”.
The class FI1-19 has to be classified in 3. “Rekindle”.
FI1-20 “Another known reason” is not detailed; this classes has to be merged to the class FI1-
21 “ Not known” and be classified in the class 1.”Unknown” of the new scheme.
D 3 - Version 1 – 06/03/10 19
Deliverable 3
4.10 Latvia
1st field

Certain x
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown
2nd field
The class LV-1 “Arson” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class
6.3 “Unidentified arsonist” as the level of responsibility is not specified.
LV-2 “Causes connected with man influence” has to be split in 2 classes at the first level of
the new scheme: 4. “Accident” and 5. “Negligence’.
LV-2.3 has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class 4.2 “Railroads”.
LV-2.4 “Motorized vehicle influence” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in the class 4.3 “Vehicles”.
LV-2.5 has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class 4.1 “Electrical
power”.
LV-2.6 “Negligence of forest visitors” has to be split in several classes at the third level of the
new scheme: fires due to smokers have to be classified in 5.2.2 “Smokers”, fires due to
bonfires have to be classified in 5.1.3 “Recreation”.
If the cause is known, the class LV-2.7 has to be split in several classes at the second level of
the new scheme: fires due to traffic accidents have to be classified in 4.3 “Vehicles”, fires due
to shooting in the forest have to be classified in 4.5 “Use of weapons”, and fires started from
peat production area have to be classified in 4.6 “Self-ignition” for instance. If not specified,
this class has to be classified in 4.7 “Other accidents”.
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Deliverable 3
4.11 Lithuania
1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
The class LT-1 “Deliberate” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the
class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist” as the level of responsibility is not specified.
All types of vegetation burnings (LT-2 and 3) have to be merged at the third level of the new
scheme in one class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
LT-4“Other industrial activities” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
4.4 “Works”.
LT-5“Means of communication” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
4.7 “Other accident”.
LT-6 “Railways” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.2
“Railroads”.
LT-7 “Motor transport” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class
4.3 “Vehicles.
LT-8 “Electric lines” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class
4.1 “Electrical power”.
LT-9 “Campfires” has to be split in different classes at the third level of the new scheme:
campfires made by tourists (adults) have to be classified in 5.1.3 “Recreation” in the class
“Negligence” while campfires made by children have to change of class and be classified in
6.2.2 “Children” in the class “Arson”.
If the cause is known, the class LT-10 has to be split in several classes: fires due to military
exercises have to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.5 “Use of weapons”.
If the cause is not specified, this class has to be merged to LT-12 “Unknown causes” and be
classified at the first level of the new scheme in the class 1. “Unknown”.
LT-11 “Natural” has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme in 2.”Natural”.
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Deliverable 3
4.12 Poland
State Forests and National Parks database

1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
The class LP-1 related to recreation has to be split in 2 classes: fires due to smokers have to be
classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.2.2 “Smokers” and fires due to bonfires
have to be classified in 5.1.3 “Recreation”.
The class LP-2 related to forest work has to be split in 2 classes: fires due to vegetation
burnings have to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.1 “Vegetation
management” and fires due to bonfires lit by workers have to be classified at the third level of
the new scheme in 5.1.4 “Other use of fire “.
The class LP-3 has to be split in 2 classes: fires due to works in forest have to be classified at
the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.4 “Other use of fire “ and fires due to fireworks have
to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.2.1 “Fireworks, firecrackers and
distress flares” of the class “Negligence”.
The classes LP-4 and 5 related to children have to be merged at the third level of the new
scheme in one class 6.2.2 “Children” and have to be classified in the class “Arson”.
The class LP-6 “Failure of power lines” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in 4.1 “Electrical power”.
The class LP-7 “Road transport” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class LP-8 “Rail transport” has to be split in 2 classes: fires due to sparks have to be
classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.2 “Railroad” of the class “Accident” and
fires due to smokers on board have to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in
5.2.2 “Smokers” of the class “Negligence”.
The class LP-10 “break-over from non-forest land” has to be classified at the third level of the
new scheme in 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
The class LP-11 has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class 6.3
“Unidentified arsonist” as the level of responsibility is not specified.
If specified in LP-12 “Other”, fires due to military exercises have to be classified at the
second level of the new scheme in 4.5 “Use of weapons”, if not, this classes has to be merged
to the class LP-13 “Unidentified” and be classified in the class 1.”Unknown” of the new
scheme.
D 3 - Version 1 – 06/03/10 22
Deliverable 3
State Fire Service database
1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
This national classification scheme deals with all types of fires, not only the forest fires. Thus,
the causes not related to forest fires (PSP-12 to 20, 23 to 24, 31 and 32) have been recoded at
the first level of the new scheme in the class 1. “Unknown”.
The class PSP-1 “Carelessness of adults with use of open fire, incl. cigarettes, and matches”
has to be split in 2 classes: fires due to smokers have to be classified at the third level of the
new scheme in 5.2.2 “Smokers” and fires due to bonfires have to be classified in 5.1.3
“Recreation”.
The class PSP-2, related to vegetation burnings has to be classified at the third level of the
new scheme in 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
The class PSP-3, related to use of explosive has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in 4.5 “Use of weapons”.
The class PSP-4 “Carelessness of adults with fire hazardous works” has to be classified at the
third level of the new scheme in 5.1.4 “Other use of fire”.
All the classes dealing with minors have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme, in
one class 6.2.2 “Children” of the class “Arson”.
PSP- 11 “Defects of electric devices and installations” has to be classified at the second level
of the new scheme in 4.1 “Electrical power”.
The classes PSP-21 and 22 dealing with machineries have to be merged at the second level of
the new scheme in one class 4.4 “Works”.
The classes PSP-26 and 27 dealing with transport have to be merged at the second level of the
PSP-27 “Biological self-ignition” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
4.6 “Self-ignition”.
PSP-28 “Chemical self-ignition” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
4.7 “Other accident”.
PSP-30 “Thunderbolts” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 2.1
“Lightning”.
PSP-33 “Static electricity” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.7
The classes PSP-34 and 35 dealing with arson have to be merged at the second level of the
new scheme in one class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist”.
Until 2006, JRC received data regarding of fires that occurred in forests and cultivated lands
based on data registered only in the SFS database. Since 2007, JRC has been receiving data
regarding of fires registered by the State Fire Service (SFS), and additionally from the State
Forests National Forest Holding and national parks (PSP). Basing on data received from the
SFS, SF NFH and national parks, the Polish Central Statistical Office currently uses a new
D 3 - Version 1 – 06/03/10 23
Deliverable 3
code (CSO code). The match between this new code and the previous ones is given in the
Excel table in annex.
This scheme with 1 level has to be adapted to the new scheme with 3 levels.
1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
The class CSO-1 “Arson” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the
class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist”.
The class CSO-2 “Carelessness of minor” has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme, in the class 6.2.2 “Children” of the class “Arson”.
The class CSO-3 “Carelessness of adults” has to be classified at the first level of the new
scheme in the class 5.”Negligence”.
The class CSO-4 “Atmospheric discharges” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in the class 2.1 “Lightning”.
The class CSO-5 “Defects of technical devices and their incorrect exploitation” has to be
classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class 4.4 “Works”.
The class CSO-6 “Defects of transport means and their incorrect exploitation” has to be split
in 2 classes: fires due to railroads have to be classified at the second level of the new scheme
in the class 4.2 “Railroads” and fires due to vehicles have to be classified at the second level
of the new scheme in the class 4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class CSO-7 “Other causes” has to be merged to the class CSO-8 “Unsettled” and be
classified in the class 1.”Unknown” of the new scheme.
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Deliverable 3
4.13 Romania
1st field

Certain x
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
The class “Litter fire (sunstroke)” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
4.7 “Other accident” and not in 2.2 “Other natural” as the sun alone cannot set a fire; its effect
has to be associated to a piece of glass or other material.
The class “Electrical sparks” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.1
“Electrical power”.
The class “Involuntarily started fire in areas next to forest” has to be classified at the first
level of the new scheme in 5.”Negligence” as this class is too global to be more detailed.
The classes “Self-ignition” and “Self-ignition of the nearby private green crops” have to be
classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class 4.6 “Self-ignition” but the class
“Self-ignition coal” has to be classified in the class 4.7”Other accidents” as it is not vegetation
self-ignition nor waste self-ignition.
The class “Train brake drag sparks” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme
in 4.2 “Railroads”.
The class “Unattended open fire” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in
the class 5.1.3 “Recreation” while the class “Unattended open fire by children” has to change
of class and be classified in 6.2.2 “Children” of the class “Arson”.
The class “Underground fires” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
2.2 “Other natural”.
The class “Unextinguished cigarettes carelessly thrown away” has to be classified at the third
level of the new scheme in 5.2.2 “Smokers”.
Unsupervised fires in areas next to forests due to all types of vegetation burnings have to be
classified at the third level of the new scheme in the class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”
while unsupervised fires in areas next to forests due to garbage/waste burning have to be
classified in the class 5.1.2 “Waste management”.
The class “Criminal action” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the
class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist”.
The class “Unattended waste dumps” has to be classified in the class 5.1.2 “Waste
management”.
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4.14 Slovakia
1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
The detailed causes due to lightning SK-1 and 2 have to be merged at the second level of the
new scheme in one class 2.1 “Lightning”.
The class SK-3 “Arson by unknown person” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in the class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist”.
If the motivation is not specified, the class SK-4 “Arson by convicted person” has to be
classified at the third level of the new scheme in 6.1.7 “Motivation unknown”.
The class SK-5 “Electrical short connection” has to be classified at the second level of the
new scheme in the class 4.1 “Electrical power”.
The detailed cause SK-6 has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class
4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class SK-7 “Other technical malfunction” has to be classified at the second level of the
new scheme in the class 4.7 “Other accident”.
The detailed causes SK-8 and 13 related to vegetation burnings have to be merged at the third
level of the new scheme in one class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
The class SK-9 “Campfires” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme has to be
classified in the class 5.1.3 “Recreation”.
The detailed causes SK-10 and 11 have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme in
one class 5.1.2 “Waste management”.
The class SK-12 “Smoking” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in the
class 5.2.2 “Smokers”.
The class SK-14 “Military training” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme
in the class 4.5 “Use of weapons”.
The class SK-15 “Other adult’s carelessness” has to be split, at the third level of the new
scheme, in several classes depending on the use or fire or glowing object: 5.1.4 “other use of
fire” or 5.2.4 “Other use of glowing object”.
The detailed causes SK-16 and 17 related to children have to be merged at the third level of
the new scheme in one class 6.2.2“Children”.
The class SK-18 “Re-ignition of fire” has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme
in the class 3. “Rekindle”.
The class SK-19 “Other monitored reasons” has to be merged to the class SK-20 “Not
determined” and be classified at the first level of the new scheme in the class 1.”Unknown”.
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4.15 Slovenia
The national scheme (Forest service database) with 5 levels has to be adapted to the new
scheme with 3 levels.
1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
In the new scheme, the classes of cause SI-nfs-1.0 “Known causes” and SI-nfs-1.1 ”Man” are
not coded.
The class SI-nfs-1.12 “Negligence” has to be split in 2 classes at the first level of the new
scheme: 4. “Accident” and 5. “Negligence”.
In the new scheme, the classes of causes related to agricultural and forestry operations and to
industrial activities and communication are not coded.
All types of vegetation burnings SI-nfs-1.1211 and 1.1221 have to be merged at the third level
of the new scheme in one class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
The class SI-nfs-1.1212 “Hay self-ignition” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in the class 4.6 “Self-ignition”.
The class SI-nfs-1.1231 “Ignition of inflammables and vapours” has to be classified at the
second level of the new scheme in the class 4.4 “Works”.
The detailed causes SI-nfs-1.1232 and 1.1261 have to be classified at the second level of the
new scheme in the class 4.4 “Works”.
The class SI-nfs-1.1233 has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in 4.4
“Works”.
The detailed causes SI-nfs-1.1241 and 1.1242 have to be merged at the second level of the
The class SI-nfs-1.1243 “Train sparks” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in 4.2 “Railroads”.
The class SI-nfs-1.1244 “Short circuit, electricity distribution” has to be classified at the
second level of the new scheme in 4.1 “Electrical power”.
In the new scheme, the class of cause “Forest visitors” is not coded. Fires due to smoking
have to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in the class 5.2.2 “Smokers”. The
detailed causes SI-nfs-1.1252 and 1.1253 have to be merged at the third level of the new
scheme in one class 5.1.3 “Recreation”. SI-nfs-1254 “Children’s play” change of class and
has to classified at the third level of the new scheme in “Arson” in the class 6.2.2 “Children”.
In the new scheme, the class of cause “Others (army, etc)” is not coded.
The detailed cause SI-nfs-1.1262 has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in
the class “Other use of fire”.
The detailed cause SI-nfs-1.1263 has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in
the class “Hot ashes”.
SI-nfs-1.122 “Self-ignition of garbage” has to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme in the class 5.1.2 “Waste management”.
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4.16 Sweden
1st field

Certain x
Uncertain x
Not specified
Unknown x
2nd field
The classes SE-0 “Not specified” and SE-30 “Unknown” have to be merged in one class 1.
“Unknown”.
SE-1 “Re-ignition” has to be classified in the class 3. “Rekindle”.
If the level of responsibility is not specified, SE-2 “Arson” has to be classified at the second
level of the new scheme in the class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist”;
SE-3 “Child playing with fire” ” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in the
class 6.2.2 “Children”;
SE-4 “Sparks from train brakes” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in
the class 4.3 “Railroads”;
The detailed cause SE-7 has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class
4.7 “Other accident”, if the problem is not specified.
SE-12 “Explosion” has to be classified at the second level of the new scheme in the class 4.5
“Use of weapons”.
The detailed causes SE-14 “Heat transfer” and 24 “Friction” have to be classified at the
second level of the new scheme in the class 4.7 “Other accident”.
SE-16 “Spontaneous combustion” has to be classified in the class “Self-ignition”.
The detailed causes SE-18 and 19 have to be merged at the second level of the new scheme in
one class 4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class SE-20 “Burning grass” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in
the class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management”.
The detailed cause SE-21 “Hot works” has to be classified at the second level of the new
scheme in the class 4.4 “Works”.
The detailed cause SE-22 has to be split in 2 classes depending on the type of burning: fires
due to all types of vegetation burnings have to be classified at the third level of the new
scheme in the class 5.1.1 “Vegetation management” and fires due to garbage burning have to
be classified in the class 5.1.2 “Waste management”. If not specified, this class has to be
classified at the third level of the new scheme in 5.1.4 “Other use of fires”.
SE-23 “Campfire/grill” has to be classified at the third level of the new scheme in the class
5.1.3 “Recreation”.
The class SE-91 “Other” is not detailed and has to be merged to the class SE-30 “Unknown”
and be classified at the first level of the new scheme in the class 1.”Unknown”.
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4.17 United Kingdom

1st field

Certain
Uncertain
Not specified x
Unknown x
2nd field
The class UK-1 “deliberate” has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme in the
class 6. “Arson”.
If the level of responsibility is not specified, the classes UK-1a, 1e and 1h have to be merged
at the second level of the new scheme into one class 6.3 “Unidentified arsonist”.
The classes UK-1b to d, UK-2c to 2d and UK-3c to 3d, related to prescribed burnings and
suppression fires, have to be merged at the third level of the new scheme into one class 5.1.1
“Vegetation management”.
The classes UK-1i, UK-2q and UK-3q “restart from previous fire” have to be classified at the
first level of the new scheme in 3. “Rekindle”.
The classes UK-1j, UK-2s and UK-3s “Other” are not detailed and have to be merged at the
first level of the new scheme into one class 1.”Unknown”.
The class UK-2 has to be split in 2 classes at the first level of the new scheme: 4. “Accident”
and 5. “Negligence”.
The classes UK-2a to 2b and UK-3a to 3b have to be merged at the second level of the new
scheme into one class 4.4 “Works”.
The class UK-2f and UK-3f “Burning out of control (i.e. Bonfire)” have to be classified at the
third level of the new scheme in 5.1.3 “Recreation”.
The class UK-2l and UK-3l “Vehicle crash or collision” have to be classified at the second
level of the new scheme in 4.3 “Vehicles”.
The class UK-2n and UK-3n “Accumulation of flammable material” have to be classified at
the second level of the new scheme in 4.4 “Works”.
The class UK-2o and UK-3o “Military training” have to be classified at the second level of
the new scheme in 4.5 “Use of weapons”.
The class UK-2p and UK-3p “Natural Occurrences” have to be classified at the first level of
the new scheme in 2.”Natural”.
The class UK-2r and UK-3r “Overheating, unknown cause” have to be classified at the second
level of the new scheme in 4.7 “Other accident”.
The class UK-3 has to be classified at the first level of the new scheme in 1. “Unknown”.
The classes UK-2g to 2k, UK-2m, UK-3g to 3k and UK-3m are not related to forest fires and
have to be recoded at the first level of the new scheme in the class 1. “Unknown”.
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5 Reconstruction of time-series
The new scheme must allow the reconstruction of time-series of each national database. Thus,
each cause in the national scheme has been recoded in the new scheme. However, it was
difficult to adapt perfectly all the national schemes in the new scheme. Some causes,
especially the ones (highlighted in green in the table) that have been split in several causes in
the new scheme were not easily recoded and some choices have been made to recode only one
of these causes in the new scheme. For the classes of causes not detailed at all (highlighted in
yellow in the table), such as “Others” for instance, and for the classes of causes not related to
forest fires (highlighted in pink in the table), the choice has been made to recode these classes
in “Unknown”, as no information are available to make any other choice. Often in the
different national databases, fires classified in these categories are not frequent so that
approximation is not too important for the proper translation of the real situation.
5.1 France
National classification
National Code New European code
FR-1 1
FR-2 2
FR-2.1 2.1
FR-2.2 2.2
FR-3 5
FR-3.1 4.1
FR-3.2 4.2
FR-3.3 4.3
FR-3.4 5.1.2
FR-3.5 5.1.1
FR-3.6 5.1.1
FR-3.7 4.4
FR-3.8 5.1.1
FR-3.9 5.1.3
FR-3.10 5.2.4
FR-3.11 3
FR-3.12 4.7
FR-4 6
FR-4.1 6.1.2
FR-4.2 6.1.1
FR-4.3 6.2.1
FR-4.4 6.3
This classification is not enough detailed and contains some classes of causes merging
different causes. These classes have been split in several causes to code the new scheme, but
only one of these causes has been chosen, trying to respect a logical process supposing that
the cause recoded was the most frequent.
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SE classification
FR-SEc-1 2
FR-SEc-11 2.1
FR-SEc-2 4
FR-SEc-21 4.1
FR-SEc-211 4.1
FR-SEc-212 4.1
FR-SEc-22 4.2
FR-SEc-23 4.3
FR-SEc-231 4.3
FR-SEc-232 4.3
FR-SEc-24 5.1.2
FR-SEc-241 5.1.2
FR-SEc-242 5.1.2
FR-SEc-3 6
FR-SEc-31 6.1.2
FR-SEc-311 6.1.2
FR-SEc-312 6.1.2
FR-SEc-32 6.1.1
FR-SEc-321 6.1.1
FR-SEc-322 6.1.1
FR-SEc-323 6.1.1
FR-SEc-33 6.2.1
FR-SEc-4 5
FR-SEc-41
FR-SEc-411 4.4
FR-SEc-412 5.1.1
FR-SEc-413 5.1.1
FR-SEc-42
FR-SEc-421 4.4
FR-SEc-422 5.1.1
FR-SEc-423 5.1.1
FR-SEc-424 5.1.1
FR-SEc-43
FR-SEc-431 4.4
FR-SEc-432 5.1.1
FR-SEc-433 5.1.1
FR-SEc-44 3
FR-SEc-5 5
FR-SEc-51
FR-SEc-511 4.4
FR-SEc-512 5.1.1
FR-SEc-513 5.1.1
FR-SEc-52
FR-SEc-521 6.2.2
FR-SEc-522 5.2.1
FR-SEc-523 5.1.3
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FR-SEc-53 5.2
FR-SEc-531 5.2.2
FR-SEc-532 5.2.2
FR-SEc-533 5.2.1
FR-SEc-534 5.2.3
This classification is much more detailed than the previous one and is easily recoded in the
new scheme.
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5.2 Greece

GR-1 2.1
GR-2 4.5
GR-3 4.5
GR-4 4.7
GR-5 4.1
GR-6 5.2.2
Gr-7 5.1.2
GR-8 5.1.1
GR-9 5.1.1
GR-10 6.3
GR-11 5.1.3
GR-12 6.1.1
GR-13 5.1.1
GR-14 6.2.1
GR-15 6.2.2
GR-16 6.2.1
GR-17 6.2.1
GR-18 1
GR-19 1
The two classes of causes GR-12 “Hunters” and GR-13 “Workers in the countryside” are too
global and have been split in several causes. To code the new scheme, only one of these
causes has been chosen, trying to respect a logical process supposing that the cause recoded
was the most frequent.
GR1-18 “Other” has been recoded in “Unknown” because of its lack of detail. Fires due to
this cause recorded in the Greek database were not frequent (less than 11 fires/year since
1998), the loss of information will be insignificant.
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5.3 Italy

IT-1001 2.1
IT-1002 2.2
IT-2001 4.2
IT-2002 4.7
IT-3001 5.2.2
IT-3002 5.2.2
IT-3003 5.2.2
IT-3004 5.2.2
IT-3101 5.1.1
IT-3102 5.1.1
IT-3103 5.1.1
IT-3104 5.1.1
IT-3105 5.1.1
IT-3201 5.1.3
IT-3202 4.5
IT-3203 4.4
IT-3204 4.5
IT-3205 5.1.2
IT-3206 4.1
IT-3207 5
IT-4001 6.1.1
IT-4002 6.1.1
IT-4003 6.1.1
IT-4004 6.1.1
IT-4005 6.1.1
IT-4006 6.1.1
IT-4007 6.1.2
IT-4008 6.1.1
IT-4009 6.1.6
IT-4101 6.1.2
IT-4102 6.1.2
IT-4103 6.1.2
IT-4104 6.1.4
IT-4105 6.1.2
IT-4106 6.1.6
IT-4107 6.1.6
IT-4108 6.1.2
IT-4109 6.2.1
IT-4201 6.3
IT-5001 1
This classification is well detailed and is easily recoded in the new scheme.
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5.4 Portugal

PT-1 5
PT-11 5.1.2
PT-111 5.1.2
PT-112 5.1.2
PT-113 5.1.2
PT-114 5.1.2
PT-115 5.1.2
PT-116 5.1.2
PT-12 5.1.1
PT-121 5.1.1
PT-122 5.1.1
PT-123 5.1.1
PT-124 5.1.1
PT-125 5.1.1
PT-126 5.1.1
PT-127 5.1.1
PT-128 5.1.1
PT-129 5.1.1
PT-13 5.2.1
PT-131 5.2.1
PT-132 5.2.1
PT-133 5.2.1
PT-14 5.1.3
PT-141 5.1.3
PT-142 5.1.3
PT-143 5.1.3
PT-144 5.1.4
PT-145 5.1.4
PT-15 5.2.2
PT-151 5.2.2
PT-152 5.2.2
PT-16 5.2.4
PT-161 5.2.4
PT-162 5.2.4
PT-17 5.2.4
PT-171 5.2.4
PT-172 5.2.4
PT-173 5.2.4
PT-2 4
PT-21
PT-211 4.1
PT-212 4.2
PT-213 4.3
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Deliverable 3
PT-214 4.3
PT-215 4.7
PT-22 4.4
PT-221 4.4
PT-222 4.4
PT-223 4.4
PT-224 4.4
PT-225 4.4
PT-226 4.4
PT-227 4.4
PT-23 4.7
PT-231 4.5
PT-232 4.5
PT-233 4.5
PT-234 4.5
PT-235 4.7
PT-236 4.7
PT-3 6
PT-31
PT-311 6.1.2
PT-312 6.1.1
PT-33
PT-333 6.1.1
PT-334 6.1.1
PT-335 6.1.1
PT-336 6.1.2
PT-37
PT-371 5.1.1
PT-38 6.3
PT-4 6
PT-41 6.2
PT-412 6.2.2
PT-413 6.2.2
PT-417 6.2.1
PT-419 6.3
PT-44 6.1
PT-441 6.1.5
PT-444 6.1.4
PT-445 6.1.2
PT-446 6.1.2
PT-448 6.1.3
PT-449 6.1.7
PT-5 2
PT-51 2.1
PT-6 1
PT-60 1
PT-610 1
PT-620 1
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PT-630 1
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Deliverable 3
5.5 Spain

ES-100 2.1
ES-210 5.1.1
ES-211 5.1.1
ES-212 5.1.1
ES-213 5.1.1
ES-214 5.1.1
ES-215 5.1.1
ES-220 5.1.1
ES-221 5.1.1
ES-222 5.1.1
ES-223 5.1.1
ES-230 5.1.1
ES-240 5.1.3
ES-250 5.2.2
ES-260 5.1.2
ES-270 5.1.2
ES-280 5.1.1
ES-281 5.1.1
ES-282 5.1.1
ES-283 5.1.1
ES-284 5.1.1
ES-290
ES-291 5.2.4
ES-292 5.2.1
ES-293 5.1.4
ES-294 6.2.2
ES-295 5.1.1
ES-296 5
ES-310 4.2
ES-320 4.1
ES-330
ES-331 4.4
ES-332 4.3
ES-333 4.3
ES-334 4.4
ES-335 4.4
ES-340 4.5
ES-400 6
ES-401 6.1.1
ES-402 6.1.1
ES-403 6.1.2
ES-404 6.1.1
ES-405 6.1.1
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Deliverable 3
ES-406 6.1.2
ES-407 6.1.2
ES-408 6.1.2
ES-409 6.1.1
ES-410 6.2.1
ES-411 6.1.1
ES-412 6.1.1
ES-413 6.1.6
ES-414 6.1.2
ES-415 6.1.6
ES-416 6.1.2
ES-417 6.1.6
ES-418 6.1.4
ES-419 6.1.3
ES-420 6.1.1
ES-421 6.1.2
ES-422 6.1.2
ES-423 6.1.2
ES-499 6.3
ES-500 1
ES-600 3
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5.6 Bulgaria

BG-2 2.1
BG-3 4.5
BG-4 4.5
BG-5 4.7
BG-6 4.1
BG-7 5.2.2
BG-8 5.1.2
BG-9 5.1.1
BG-10 5.1.1
BG-11 6.1
BG-12 5.1.3
BG-13 6.1.1
BG-14 5.1.1
BG-15 6.2.1
BG-16 6.2.2
BG-17 1
BG-18 1
The two classes of causes BG-13 “Hunters” and BG-14 “Workers at open air” are too global
and have been split in several causes. To code the new scheme, only one of these causes has
been chosen, trying to respect a logical process, supposing that the cause recoded was the
most frequent.
BG-17 “Other known reasons” has been recoded in “Unknown” because of its lack of detail
and as fires due to this cause recorded in the Bulgarian database were not frequent (less than
50 fires/year between 2005 and 2008), the loss of information will be insignificant.
D 3 - Version 1 – 06/03/10 40
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5.7 Cyprus
The following national codes do not correspond to the codes used in the forest fire database of
the country given to JRC. This other national scheme is not available.

CY-1 1
CY-2
CY-2.1 2
CY-2.2 6.3
CY-2.3
CY-2.3.1
CY-2.3.1a 5.1.1
CY-2.3.1b 5.1.1
CY-2.3.1c 5.1.1
CY-2.3.1d 5.1.2
CY-2.3.1e 5.2.2
CY-2.3.1f 4.4
CY-2.3.1g 1
CY-2.3.2 5.1.2
CY-2.3.3
CY-2.3.3a 5.2.2
CY-2.3.3b 5.1.3
CY-2.3.3c 1
CY-2.3.4
CY-2.3.4.1
CY-2.3.4.1a 5.2.2
CY-2.3.4.1b 5.1.4
CY-2.3.4.1c 4.4
CY-2.3.4.1d 1
CY-2.3.4.2
CY-2.3.4.2a 5.2.2
CY-2.3.4.2b 5.1.4
CY-2.3.4.2c 4.4
CY-2.3.4.2d 1
CY-2.3.5
CY-2.3.5a 4.5
CY-2.3.5b 5.2.2
CY-2.3.5c 5.1.4
CY-2.3.5d 4.4
CY-2.3.5e 1
CY-2.3.6
CY-2.3.6.1
CY-2.3.6.1a 5.1.1
CY-2.3.6.1b 5.1.2
CY-2.3.6.1c 5.2.2
CY-2.3.6.1d 4.4
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CY-2.3.6.1e 5.1.3
CY-2.3.6.1f 6.2.2
CY-2.3.6.1g 4.1
CY-2.3.6.1h 1
CY-2.3.6.2
CY-2.3.6.2a 5.1.1
CY-2.3.6.2b 5.1.2
CY-2.3.6.2c 5.2.2
CY-2.3.6.2d 4.4
CY-2.3.6.2e 5.1.3
CY-2.3.6.2f 6.2.2
CY-2.3.6.2g 4.1
CY-2.3.6.2h 1
CY-2.3.7
CY-2.3.7a 5.1.3
CY-2.3.7b 5.1.3
CY-2.3.7c 5.2.2
CY-2.3.7d 4.4
CY-2.3.7e 6.2.2
CY-2.3.7f 1
CY-2.3.8
CY-2.3.8a 5.2.2
CY-2.3.8b 4.3
CY-2.3.8c 1
CY-2.3.9 4.1
CY-2.3.10
CY-2.3.10a 4.3
CY-2.3.10b 5.2.2
CY-2.3.10c 5.1.3
CY-2.3.10d 4.4
CY-2.3.10e 1
CY-2.3.11 1
This classification is well detailed and is easily recoded in the new scheme. However, the high
number of classes “Others” could entail a significant loss of information. Moreover, the
national codes are not mentioned in the country’s forest fires database, so the frequency of the
fires due to these causes cannot be assessed.
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5.8 Czech Republic

CZ_0 1
CZ_5 1
CZ_10 6.3
CZ_11 6.3
CZ_12 6.2.2
CZ_13 6.3
CZ_20 5.2.2
CZ_21 5.1.1
CZ_22 1
CZ_23 1
CZ_24 4.4
CZ_25 5.1.4
CZ_26 5.2.3
CZ_27 4.4
CZ_28 4.4
CZ_29 4.4
CZ_30 5.2.4
CZ_31 5.2.4
CZ_32 5.2.4
CZ_33 5.2.4
CZ_40 1
CZ_41 1
CZ_42 1
CZ_43 1
CZ_50 4.4
CZ_51 4.4
CZ_52 4.4
CZ_53 4.4
CZ_54 4.4
CZ_55 4.7
CZ_56 4.3
CZ_57 4.7
CZ_59 4.4
CZ_60 4.6
CZ_61 4.7
CZ_62 4.7
CZ_63 4.7
CZ_64 4.7
CZ_69 5.1.2
CZ_70 4.4
CZ_71 4.4
CZ_72 4.4
CZ_73 4.5
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CZ_74 4.4
CZ_80 4.4
CZ_81 4.4
CZ_82 4.4
CZ_83 4.4
CZ_84 4.4
CZ_85 4.4
CZ_86 4.4
CZ_87 4.4
CZ_89 4.4
CZ_90 2.1
CZ_91 2.1
CZ_92 2.1
CZ_93 2
CZ_94 4.3
CZ_95 4.5
CZ_99 1
This classification deals with all types of fire, not only with the forest fires. The causes not
related to forest fires (CZ-22 and 23, 40 to 43) have been recoded in the class 1.“Unknown” in
the new scheme. Even recoded like this, the loss of information is minimal as none of these
causes is recorded in the Czech database sent to JRC.
The other class recoded in “Unknown” is CZ-99 “Other causes” that is not detailed at all.
Fires due to this cause recorded in the Czech database were not frequent (3 fires only in
2006), the loss of information will be insignificant.
The choice was made to recode CZ-95 “Military exercise, fireworks” in 4.5 “Use of
weapons”.
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5.9 Finland
Classification sent to JRC

FI2-01 5
FI2-11 1
FI2-12 2
FI2-13 4.4
FI2-14 4.4
FI2-19 1
FI2-99 1
This classification is not detailed and presents very few classes of causes that are global.
FI2-11 “Animal” has been recoded in 1.“Unknown” as it is not coded in the new scheme.
Even recoded like this, the loss of information is minimal as they appear in the Finnish
database with very few fires coded in this class (less than 20 fires/year between 2004 and
2007).
FI2-19 “Other” has been recoded in 1.“Unknown” because of its lack of detail; nevertheless,
fires due to this cause, recorded in the Finnish database were not rare (74 to 407 fires/year
between 2004 and 2007). This could entail a loss of information.
Classification given by the Fire expert

FI1-1 2.1
FI1-2 4.7
FI1-3 2.2
FI1-4 5.1.1
FI1-5 5.1.1
FI1-6 5.1.2
FI1-7 5.1.3
FI1-8 5.1.4
FI1-9 5.2.2
FI1-10 5.1.4
FI1-11 4.1
FI1-12 4.7
FI1-13 4.7
FI1-14 5.2.1
FI1-15 5.2.4
FI1-16 4.7
FI1-17 4.7
FI1-18 4.4
FI1-19 3
FI1-20 1
FI1-21 1
The classification provided by the Finnish Fire Expert is more detailed than the previous one
and is more adaptable to the new scheme at a higher level of detail. Even with a classification
D 3 - Version 1 – 06/03/10 45
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scheme not very detailed (one level), this classification is easily recoded in the new scheme.
This classification scheme should be used instead of the previous one in order to prevent an
important loss of information.
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5.10 Latvia

LV-1 6.3
LV-2 5
LV-2.1 5.1.1
LV-2.2 5.1.1
LV-2.3 4.2
LV-2.4 4.3
LV-2.5 4.1
LV-2.6 5.1.3
LV-2.7 4.7
LV-3 2
This classification, even if not very detailed, is easily recoded in the new scheme without loss
of information.
The choice was made to recode LV-6 “Negligence of forest visitors” in “Recreation”.
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5.11 Lithuania

LT-1 6.3
LT-2 5.1.1
LT-3 5.1.1
LT-4 5.1.2
LT-5 4.7
LT-6 4.2
LT-7 4.3
LT-8 4.1
LT-9 5.1.3
LT-10 4.5
LT-11 2
LT-12 1
This classification, even if not very detailed, is easily recoded in the new scheme.
The classes of causes LT-10 “Other, military exercises”, split in several causes, was recoded
in a logical way to save as more information as possible.
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5.12 Poland
State Forests and National Parks database

LP-1 5.1.3
LP-2 5.1.1
LP-3 4.4
LP-4 6.2.2
LP-5 6.2.2
LP-6 4.1
LP-7 4.3
LP-8 4.2
LP-9 2.1
LP-10 5.1.1
LP-11 6.3
LP-12 1
LP-13 1
The two classes of causes “Tourism and picking fruits of the forest (including smokers,
bonfires…)” and “Other carelessness of adults (including work on structures located inside
the forest, fireworks…)” are too global and have been split in several causes. To code the new
scheme, only one of these causes has been chosen (“Recreation” for LP-1 and “Works” for
LP-3), trying to respect a logical process. The former classification scheme of State Forests
and National Parks, used between 1976 and 1995, was much more detailed than the current
one and would have been more adaptable to the new scheme.
State Fire Service Database

PSP-1 5.1.3
PSP-2 5.1.1
PSP-3 4.5
PSP-4 5.1.4
PSP-5 5
PSP6- 6.2.2
PSP-7 6.2.2
PSP-8 6.2.2
PSP-9 6.2.2
PSP-10 6.2.2
PSP-11 4.1
PSP-12 1
PSP-13 1
PSP-14 1
PSP-15 1
PSP-16 1
PSP-17 1
PSP-18 1
PSP-19 1
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PSP-20 1
PSP-21 4.4
PSP-22 4.4
PSP-23 1
PSP-24 1
PSP-25 1
PSP-26 4.3
PSP-27 4.3
PSP-28 4.6
PSP-29 4.7
PSP-30 2.1
PSP-31 1
PSP-32 1
PSP-33 4.7
PSP-34 6.3
PSP-35 6.3
PSP-36 1
PSP-37 1
related to forest fires (PSP-12 to 20, 23 to 24, 31 and 32) have been recoded in the class
1.“Unknown”. Even recoded like this, the loss of information is minimal as they appear in the
Polish database sent to JRC with very few fires coded in these classes.
The other classes recoded in 1.“Unknown” is PSP-36 “Other causes” that is not detailed at all
in spite of the number of fires due to these causes recorded in the Polish database between
1993 and 2007 (3793 fires for PSP-36). This can involve a loss of information.
The choice was made to recode PSP-1 “Carelessness of adults with use of open fire, incl.
cigarettes, matches” in “Recreation”.
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5.13 Romania
The national codes are not available in the forest fire database given to JRC. Only the causes
have been mentioned in the following table.
National cause New European code

unknown 1
litter fire (sunstroke) 4.7
electrical sparks 4.1
involuntarily started fire in areas next to forest 5
selfignition 4.6
selfignition coal 4.7
selfignition of the nearby private green crops 4.6
train brake drag sparks 4.2
unattended open fire 5.1.3
unattended open fire by children 6.2.2
underground fires 2.2
unextinguished cigarettes carelessly thrown away 5.2.2
unsupervised fire in areas next to forests (agriculture) 5.1.1
unsupervised fire in areas next to forests (garbage) 5.1.2
unsupervised fire in areas next to forests (orchard) 5.1.1
unsupervised fire in areas next to forests (private) 5.1.1
unsupervised fire in areas next to forests (reed) 5.1.1
unsupervised fire in areas next to forests (stubbles) 5.1.1
unsupervised fire in areas next to forests (wasted) 5.1.2
criminal action 6.3
unattended waste dump 5.1.2
This classification is easily recoded in the new scheme.
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5.14 Slovakia

SK-1 2.1
SK-2 2.1
SK-3 6.3
SK-4 6.1.7
SK-5 4.1
SK-6 4.3
SK-7 4.7
SK-8 5.1.1
SK-9 5.1.3
SK-10 5.1.2
SK-11 5.1.2
SK-12 5.2.2
SK-13 5.1.1
SK-14 4.5
SK-15 5
SK-16 6.2.2
SK-17 6.2.2
SK-18 2
SK-19 1
SK-20 1
Even with a classification scheme not very detailed (one level), this classification is easily
recoded in the new scheme.
SK-19 “Other monitored reasons” has been recoded in 1.“Unknown” because of its lack of
detail. However, the Slovakian forest fire database is not available so the frequency of the
fires due to this cause cannot be assessed and so is the loss of information.
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5.15 Slovenia

SI-nfs-1.0
SI-nfs-1.1
SI-nfs-1.11 6.3
SI-nfs-1.12 5
SI-nfs-1.121
SI-nfs-1.1211 5.1.1
SI-nfs-1.1212 4.6
SI-nfs-1.122
SI-nfs-1.1221 5.1.1
SI-nfs-1.123
SI-nfs-1.1231 4.4
SI-nfs-1.1232 4.4
SI-nfs-1.1233 4.4
SI-nfs-1.124
SI-nfs-1.1241 4.3
SI-nfs-1.1242 4.3
SI-nfs-1.1243 4.2
SI-nfs-1.1244 4.1
SI-nfs-1.125
SI-nfs-1.1251 5.2.2
SI-nfs-1.1252 5.1.3
SI-nfs-1.1253 5.1.3
SI-nfs-1.1254 6.2.2
SI-nfs-1.126
SI-nfs-1.1261 4.5
SI-nfs-1.1262 5.1.4
SI-nfs-1.1263 5.2.3
SI-nfs-1.2 2
SI-nfs-1.21 2.1
SI-nfs-1.22 5.1.2
SI-nfs-2 1
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5.16 Sweden

SE-0 1
SE-1 3
SE-2 6.3
SE-3 6.2.2
SE-4 4.2
SE-5 5.2.2
SE-7 4.7
SE-8 2.1
SE-9 5.2.1
SE-12 4.5
SE-14 4.7
SE-16 4.6
SE-18 4.3
SE-19 4.3
SE-20 5.1.1
SE-21 4.4
SE-22 5.1.4
SE-23 5.1.3
SE-24 4.7
SE-30 1
SE-91 1
Even with a classification scheme not very detailed (one level), this classification is easily
recoded in the new scheme.
SE-91 “Other” has been recoded in 1.“Unknown” because of its lack of detail; nevertheless,
fires due to this cause, recorded in the Swedish database were not rare (between 177 and 671
fires/year between 1996 and 2007). This could entail a loss of information.
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5.17 United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s national classification scheme is not in use yet; thus no fires have been
recorded in this classification. However, the following table shows how the national codes
could be recoded into the new European codes.

UK-1 6
UK_1a 6.3
UK_1b 5.1.1
UK_1c 5.1.1
UK_1d 5.1.1
UK_1e 6.3
UK_1h 6.3
UK_1i 3
UK_1j 1
UK-2 5
UK_2a 4.4
UK_2b 4.4
UK_2c 5.1.1
UK_2d 5.1.1
UK_2f 5.1.3
UK_2g 1
UK_2h 1
UK_2i 1
UK_2j 1
UK_2k 1
UK_2l 4.3
UK_2m 1
UK_2n 4.4
UK_2o 4.5
UK_2p 2
UK_2q 3
UK_2r 4.7
UK_2s 1
UK-3 1
UK_3a 4.4
UK_3b 4.4
UK_3c 5.1.1
UK_3d 5.1.1
UK_3f 5.1.3
UK_3g 1
UK_3h 1
UK_3i 1
UK_3j 1
UK_3k 1
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UK_3l 4.3
UK_3m 1
UK_3n 4.4
UK_3o 4.5
UK_3p 2
UK_3q 3
UK_3r 1
UK_3s 1
related to forest fires (UK-2g to 2k, UK-2m, UK- and 23, 40 to 43) have been recoded in the
class 1.“Unknown” as they are not coded in the new scheme.
The other classes recoded in 1.“Unknown” are UK-1j, 2s and 3s “Other” that are not detailed
at all.
The choice was made to recode UK- 2 “Accidental” in 5. “Negligence”.
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6 Conclusion
A new classification scheme has been built based on the most frequent classes of causes of the
different national schemes. Some classes have been created to simplify some national
schemes and merge several existing causes of a same topic for instance. The definitions clear
and unambiguous should avoid any misunderstanding in adapting the national schemes to the
new scheme.
It was difficult to adapt all the national schemes in one same new scheme. Indeed, some
national schemes are not enough detailed (Finland or Poland for instance) or too much
detailed (Cyprus), others are composed of causes not detailed at all (e.g. “Other known
causes” or “Other” in several national schemes). Thus causes have been merged or split
depending on the case. The main problem was to properly recode the causes that had been
split in only one new code and this has been done with an oriented but logical way that can be
discussed afterwards. Regarding of the frequent class “Others” without any detail on the
causes, it was chosen to recode this type of class in the class “Unknown”. More often, fires
due to this type of cause are not frequent according the different national databases. The same
option has been chosen for the causes not related to forest fires, found in a few classifications
(Poland, Czech Republic for instance).
The choice has been made to create a classification in the best logical way, without trying to
take into account all the potential difficulties to make fit every country’s classification into it.
That is why these difficulties have been encountered when writing the guidelines. If the
countries with well detailed classifications won’t have any problems to translate their
classification in the European harmonized one, we can suggest to other countries either to
have a double codification (the national one and the European one) or to change their
classification by using the European one instead of the current national one.
D 3 - Version 1 – 06/03/10 57

Proposal For EU Fire Causes Classification Scheme

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Proposal For EU Fire Causes Classification Scheme

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Deliverable 3

Determination of forest fire causes and

Contract number: 384 340

Due date of report: Month 16 Actual submission date: 20/04/10

Start date of project: 4th December 2008 Duration: 24 months

Organisation name of lead contractor for this deliverable: Cemagref (P1)

Members of the Consortium: Cemagref (P1), ONF (P2), Fraunhofer-IAIS (P3),

Gozdarski inštitut Slovenije

2 The harmonized classification scheme

The second field is composed of 3 levels of causes.

The new classification scheme:

1st field: level of knowledge of the cause

2nd field detailed in 3 levels of causes

The first field of the new scheme is composed of 4 classes:

The second field of the scheme is composed of 3 levels:

4.6 Self-ignition (auto-combustion) - Wildfire caused by self-ignition of agricultural

5.1.3 Recreation - Wildfire caused by people engaged in a recreational activity

5.2.2 Smokers - Wildfire caused by cigarettes and tobacco pipe regardless of

6. Arson (intentional-deliberate) - Wildfire intentionally caused by human with the use of

6.1.2 Conflict (revenge) - Wildfire set in retaliation for real or perceived

6.1.3 Vandalism - Malicious or mischievous fire setting that results in damage

6.1.4 Excitement (incendiary) -. Wildfires set to gain attention and to meet

6.1.6 Extremist - Wildfire set to further social, political or religious causes:

6.1.7 Motivation unknown – Wildfire set by people given as responsible but

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

The class “Machinery”, previously coded in different classes of “negligence/involuntary”, is

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

CY-2 “Known” is not coded in the new scheme.

4.8 Czech Republic

Level of knowledge of the cause

Classification scheme used in the Finnish database

Level of knowledge of the cause

Classification scheme sent by the Fire expert

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

State Forests and National Parks database

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

Level of knowledge of the cause

4.17 United Kingdom

Level of knowledge of the cause

National Code New European code

National Code New European code

National Code New European code

National Code New European code

National Code New European code

National Code New European code

5.8 Czech Republic

National Code New European code

Classification sent to JRC

Classification given by the Fire expert

National Code New European code