Forest Fire Vulnerability Mapping in Way Kambas National Park

Abstract

In tropical area, especially in Sumatra Island, shifting cultivation is dominant agricultural system. The farmer used to use fire during land preparation as a strategy to overcome labor shortage. Forest fire has been given special attention due to its impact to the environment. It sources of greenhouse gases emission, ecosystem degradation, and wildlife extinction. Once forest fire occur especially on sensitive area, it is very difficult to be stop. Under such situation, conducting preventive action would be more effective. Mitigation and action through forest fire early warning systems were required in Way Kambas National Park (WKNP). To support it, geographic information system and remote sensing can be applied to develop a fire vulnerability map. The object of the research was to develop fire vulnerability map, based on bio- physical and human disturbance factors. The map was based on the local bio-physical condition, namely land cover, vegetation index, moisture index, and land surface temperature. Human disturbance was determined based on distance, namely center of community activities, and distance from accessibilities. After the variables were scored and weighted, the overlaid map presents the locations with high, medium, and low vulnerability classes. The validation of the model was done using the forest fire occurrence point data.