From 29 June to 2 July 2026, the DARE Project conducted the first trial of the DARE Dashboard at Entente VALABRE in Gardanne, France. Following an initial day dedicated to preparation and scenario setup, the Dashboard was evaluated over three intensive days in a realistic multinational wildfire response exercise involving project partners and operational experts.
The trial focused on one of the key challenges of cross-border emergency response: the effective integration of European wildfire modules deployed through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) into a Host Nation command structure. The exercise assessed how the Dashboard supports the exchange of operational information before and during an incident, including module capabilities, resource availability, mission assignments, reporting, and command and control processes.
The Dashboard was tested across a range of operational activities, including the reception and registration of incoming units, resource allocation, situational awareness, information sharing, liaison arrangements, and decision-making under evolving wildfire conditions. Particular attention was given to evaluating whether the platform can facilitate coordination by improving task clarity, resource visibility, status tracking, and the integration of international teams into national command structures.
The trial also brought together Command and Control specialists from several European countries, whose feedback provided valuable insights into the Dashboard’s current strengths and identified areas for further refinement, including operational procedures, terminology, and user workflows. These findings will guide the next phase of development as the project continues to enhance the Dashboard for future training activities and, ultimately, for use in real wildfire and flood response operations.
The DARE consortium would like to thank Entente VALABRE for hosting the trial and providing an excellent operational training environment. We also extend our appreciation to all project partners, trainers, observers, and practitioners whose expertise and commitment contributed to the successful completion of this important milestone.
