Automatic sensors to rapidly detect forest fire hotspots, solar-powered drones that signal fire progression day and night, fire-retardant foams that halt the advance of flames toward inhabited areas, and even AI-equipped software platforms to process satellite imagery of at-risk zones—these are some of the new technologies being adopted to combat the forest fires that reduce vast green areas across Italy to ash every year. According to data from ISPRA, over 1,070 major fires were recorded in the country during the first seven months of this year, affecting an area of approximately 741 square kilometers. New firefighting technologies will be among the key topics at REAS 2026, the International Emergency Exhibition taking place from Thursday, October 8, to Saturday, October 10, at Centro Fiera Montichiari (Brescia). Now in its twenty-fifth edition, this event is the premier annual gathering for companies and professionals in the fields of firefighting, as well as first aid, civil protection, assistive devices for people with disabilities, and workplace safety.
The recurring wildfire crisis—particularly prevalent in summer—has spurred the research and business sectors to propose increasingly sophisticated and effective solutions. Various innovative technologies have been developed, including in Italy. For instance, small, solar-powered Silvanet sensors can be mounted on trees to transmit data on carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and other gases emitted during the early stages of a fire. The solar-powered Guardian XL drone can fly for over 24 hours carrying a thermal sensor capable of detecting even small hotspots. New FT40 firefighting turbines atomize water, cooling the area affected by the flames and aiding in extinguishment. Specialized “Air Foam System” foams can also be used to protect homes or at-risk structures before the fire front arrives. Finally, the EOSIAL Active Fire Viewer online platform allows for the visualization and monitoring of wildfire progression by automatically integrating data from various Earth observation satellites, such as Meteosat, Sentinel-3, and Eumetsat.
With the REAS 2026 trade fair opening in about two months, over 300 Italian and international exhibitors are expected to participate. In the halls of Centro Fiera Montichiari visitors will be able to view vehicles and equipment for operations in areas affected by wildfires and natural disasters, water rescue boats and devices, special vehicles capable of operating in flooded or earthquake-stricken zones, and aerial monitoring drones. The event will also feature ambulances equipped with life-saving first aid gear, communication systems linking operations centers with rescue teams, technical clothing for personnel, and innovative aids for people with disabilities. An extensive cultural program is also planned, featuring dozens of seminars and conferences—including the annual AIB (Forest Firefighting) round table organized by the magazine *La Protezione Civile Italiana*, which will present a review of the most recent summer forest fire campaign. Practical demonstrations are also on the agenda to support the training and professional development of personnel and volunteers in the rescue and civil protection sectors.
REAS is organized by Centro Fiera Montichiari in partnership with Hannover Fairs International GmbH and the specialized trade fair Interschutz—held every four years, with the next edition scheduled for May 20–25, 2030, in Hannover. Once again, the event will see the participation of numerous public bodies, regional authorities, state agencies, and associations involved in the Italian emergency management system. Admission is free and open to all, subject to online registration, which will open shortly.
