Title: Evaluation and enhancement of accessibility of forest areas through the road network for conducting firefighting operations via GIS and fire susceptibility analysis

Authors: Georgios Kolkos; Anastasia Stergiadou; Apostolos Kantartzis; Stergios Tampekis; Garyfallos Arabatzis

Addresses: Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, 68200 Orestiada, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Management of Natural Environment, Agricultural University of Athens, 36100 Karpenissi, Greece ' Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, 68200 Orestiada, Greece

Abstract: Managing wildfires relies on comprehensive prevention studies and decision-making plans, with the forest road network serving as the primary means for ground firefighting forces. This research establishes a multi-criteria assessment and improvement system for forest areas accessibility, enhancing firefighting operations. Criteria like hiking time, distance from the road network, and terrain topography determine accessibility. Using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and spatial analysis considering slope, aspect, fuel type, and distances from human infrastructure, high fire risk areas are identified. This insight led to designing new roads in critical zones to enhance firefighting effectiveness. Re-evaluating accessibility post-road design demonstrates the percentage improvement achieved. Applied in mountainous, mid-altitude, and suburban Mediterranean forest ecosystems, this methodology offers guidelines for real-world forest management, enhancing the sustainability and resilience of forest ecosystems.

Keywords: forest firefighting; wildfire prevention; forest roads planning; decision support system; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; multicriteria analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSAMI.2025.143094

International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics, 2025 Vol.11 No.1, pp.1 - 28

Received: 05 Sep 2023
Accepted: 09 Oct 2023
Published online: 03 Dec 2024 *

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