Integrating Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques for Effective Wildfire Risk Mapping and Management

• Published in: Remote sensing in earth systems sciences (Online) 2024-12, Vol.7 (4), p.271-282
• Main Authors: Ramesh, Janjhyam Venkata Naga, Suneel, Sajja, Dhanke, Jyoti A., Patil, R. N., Sharma, Sanjay, Aswani, Inakollu, Kiran, Ajmeera
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Earth System Sciences; Geography; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Remote Sensing/Photogrammetry
• ISSN: 2520-8195; 2520-8209
• DOI: 10.1007/s41976-024-00121-3

Utilising MODIS MCD64A1 burnt surface data, this study analyses the spatiotemporal trends of wildfires in Iran’s Golestan region from 2001 to 2021. The north-eastern, south-eastern, and southern parts of Golestan are particularly vulnerable to wildfires because of the region’s varied climate and terrain. According to an analysis of 18,462 wildfire incidences, the most common years were 2010 and 2003. The most common types of agricultural land to be affected by flames were wheat and barley fields. Significant wildfire hotspots, especially in the plains and slopes, were found by Kernel density and local Moran’s I studies. In terms of height and slope, 90% of wildfires happened below 500 m, mostly on slopes ranging from 0 to 15°. Critical drivers of wildfire incidence included climatic elements like temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity, as well as human activity like changes in land use and agricultural practices. This study highlights the need of implementing effective measures for managing wildfires in Golestan province, taking into account elements such as climate and topography.