A CBRNE-Based Perspective on Wildfire Emergency Management: Preparedness, Operational Response and Multi-Hazard Integration

Wildfires are increasingly complex emergencies driven by climate variability, the expansion of wildland–urban interfaces, and the interaction between fire events and hazardous environments. These factors pose significant challenges for emergency management, particularly in the presence of cascading effects and multi-hazard interactions. This review examines the potential contribution of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) frameworks to wildfire emergency management, focusing on preparedness and operational response. A narrative analysis of interdisciplinary literature was conducted to identify conceptual and operational overlaps between fire science and CBRNE-based approaches, with particular attention to command structures, hazard assessment, and response coordination. The analysis indicates that wildfire management systems often remain fragmented, with variability in procedures, training, and the integration of monitoring technologies. Evidence from CBRNE operational models suggests that structured command systems, field-based analytical capabilities, and interoperable procedures support improved situational awareness and decision-making. The review highlights how selected CBRNE principles, including structured command systems, zoning strategies, hazard characterization, and interoperability mechanisms, may address persistent gaps in complex wildfire emergency management, providing a basis for improved coordination, operational effectiveness, and system resilience.