Optimal allocation model of forest fire detection towers in protected areas based on fire occurrence risk: Where and how to act?

Abstract

Forest fire detection towers are crucial in supporting rapid firefighting actions in conservation units and thus reducing environmental, social, and economic damages. Thus, the aim was to evaluate scenarios for optimal allocation of forest fire detection towers, according to the risk of occurrence, in the Caparaó National Park, Brazil. Thus, by geotechnological analysis, the areas most susceptible to forest fires and the optimal locations for installation of detection and monitoring for these events were delimited. To run the proposed models, biological, physical, socioeconomic, and meteorological variables were used. From the application of the methodologies, it was observed that 76.70% of the study area was covered by low, moderate, and shallow fire risk classes, while high and very high-risk classes were concentrated in the buffer zone. The scenario with 45 towers was considered the most advantageous, given that they presented viewing levels above 70% and a lower cost per hectare viewed than the scenario with 48 towers. Results showed no critical risks of fire occurrence within the conservation unit, but preventive measures are still needed to avoid fire spread, particularly near the buffer zone. The study's methodologies can be applied in other areas to improve forest fire prevention and control efforts.