Analyzing the Forest Fire Risk of a Tropical Deciduous Forest in Southern Western Ghats Region in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

Abstract

In recent years, the forest fire has increased at an alarming rate in India. It has become a common incident in many areas of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary situated along the North-Eastern part of Kerala, lying in the Western Ghats. The forest fire incidents happen mainly in the pre-monsoon period ranging from February to April. Using various forest risk parameters, the study analyses the forest fire risk zone in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. A weighted index method using GIS and Remote sensing was acquired to obtain and distinguish the forest fire-risk map by including the risk variables such as vegetation, topographic factors, land surface temperature and proximity to the road and settlements. The forest fire risk zone map integrates the observed variable with the help of the GIS platform. Out of the study area's total of 412 sq km, 24.65 % falls in very high and 33.39 % comprises the high fire risk zones. Validation of the forest fire risk zone map with the fire locations illustrates that most fire locations (72 %) fall under high and high-risk zones. The result of the study could help the decision-makers to implement fire management plans and strategies.