Forest fires appear as a complex major problem, which is way beyond the simple relationship with climate, at the origin of many environmental social and economical consequences. The loss of habitats, erosion and CO2 emissions are examples of the ecological consequences, while the impact on human health, agricultural and tourist activity as well as regional labour market are examples of social, economical and ecological effects.

The present volume contains the papers presented at the first International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Forest Fires ( FIVA 2008 ) held at the University of Castilla-La Mancha campus in Toledo, Spain, September 17-19, 2008. The conference is jointly organised by the Wessex Institute of Technology, UK, and the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) and is sponsored by WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment. This conference provides a forum for researchers, academics and stakeholders actively involved in the prevention, detection and suppression of forest fires, and the restoration of burned areas. The conference aims to bring together engineers, scientists and other professionals from all countries, involved in research and development activities in a wide range of technical and management topics related to forest fires and their devastating effects.