Sustainability and specifics of fire water sources in new climatic conditions using the example of the Czech Republic

Abstract

Sufficient fire water for fire protection of an area is of fundamental importance in the ​​security of the state and its infrastructure. Fires cannot be completely prevented, but the consequent damages can be minimized provided that there are enough extinguishing agents to eliminate them. The main and most important current and future extinguishing agent is water. Due to the fact that climate change is ongoing, it can be assumed that many existing natural and multipurpose sources of fire water may not meet the capacity requirements for firefighting, or they will not be available at all. The aim of the scientific approach is to evaluate and specify the availability of fire water in the new climatic conditions using the example of the Czech Republic. Another aim of the article is to characterize the possible shortage of fire water and to propose means by which the maximum effect can be achieved with minimum investment costs, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural and multipurpose fire water sources. The analysis of strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats was used for the evaluation of the availability of fire water in new climatic conditions. It arises from the results of the article and its broader concept that, despite the current satisfactory situation in fire protection in the Czech Republic regarding fire water, the risks of its shortage are increasing when the climate changes significantly. The lack of fire water will not be nationwide, but most likely only regional.