Calculation of Fireline Intensity Using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems: 2021 Milas-Karacahisar Fire

Abstract

Aim of the study: The objective of this study is to calculate fireline intensity using remote sensing and geographic information systems, to investigate relationship between fireline intensity and VIIRS active fire data, and to develop a practical fireline intensity estimation model. Material and methods: The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) active fire/hotspot data provided by Suomi National Polar Orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA-20) satellites were used to estimate the rate of fire spread. Fuel consumption was estimated using Sentinel-2 images, stand type maps and surface and available crown fuel loading models for Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.). The fireline intensity was then calculated using Byram’s (1959) fireline intensity equation. Main results: The results indicated that the number of VIIRS active fire data was well correlated with fireline intensity, rate of fire spread and fuel consumption. The calculated fireline intensity ranged between 175.0 and 47597.2 kW/m with an average value of 9280.4 kW/m. The number of VIIRS active fire data alone explained 72% of the variation in fireline intensity. Highlights: Satellite based products can be effectively used to calculate fireline intensity through estimating rate of fire spread and fuel consumption easily and effectively in burned areas.