Characterization of Spatial–Temporal Distribution of Forest Fire in Chhattisgarh, India, Using MODIS-Based Active Fire Data

Abstract

Forest fires are one of the most common natural and anthropogenic events that have long-term impacts on the environment. In this study, we analyzed 17 years of data on forest fires in Chhattisgarh, India, using active fire and burned area data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. Chhattisgarh was selected as the study area due to its high incidences of forest fires, significant forest cover, and scarce studies on forest fires. Our findings showed that the number of forest fires in the region increased over time, from 1487 forest fires in 2005 to 3074 forest fires in 2021, with the highest number of fires occurring in 2017 and 2009. Most of the fires occurred in deciduous broadleaf forests and savannas, following a consistent seasonal pattern, with the highest percentage of fires (88.88%) occurring in March, April, and May. The fire hotspot was located in the southwest region, dominated by deciduous broadleaf forests which are particularly prone to fires. These results emphasize the significance of effective fire management strategies that consider the seasonal and annual variability of forest fires, particularly in high-risk areas. Immediate attention to controlling forest fires is also critical to minimize its impact on the environment and local communities.