Applying GIS to develop a model for forest fire risk: A case study in Espírito Santo, Brazil. (15th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eugenio, Fernando Coelho; dos Santos, Alexandre Rosa; Fiedler, Nilton Cesar; Ribeiro, Guido Assunção; da Silva, Aderbal Gomes; dos Santos, Áureo Banhos; Paneto, Greiciane Gaburro; Schettino, Vitor Roberto
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 173(2016)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2016-05-15
• Subjects: Risk map -- Environmental preservation -- Geotechnology; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.02.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: A forest fire risk map is a basic element for planning and protecting forested areas. The main goal of this study was to develop a statistical model for preparing a forest fire risk map using GIS. Such model is based on assigning weights to nine variables divided into two classes: physical factors of the site (terrain slope, land-use/occupation, proximity to roads, terrain orientation, and altitude) and climatic factors (precipitation, temperature, water deficit, and evapotranspiration). In regions where the climate is different from the conditions of this study, the model will require an adjustment of the variables weights according to the local climate. The study area, Espírito Santo State, exhibited approximately 3.81% low risk, 21.18% moderate risk, 30.10% high risk, 41.50% very high risk, and 3.40% extreme risk of forest fire. The areas classified as high risk, very high and extreme, contemplated a total of 78.92% of heat spots. Highlights: The results were useful for identifying preferential areas of fire risk. A simple model with global application displayed on a single map. With this model, prevention measures can be taken in advance of forest fires.