GIS Multi-Criteria Analysis for Identifying and Mapping Forest Fire Hazard: Nevesinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Fire risk management starts with an assessment of the most flammable places. In this paper, identification, classification and mapping of forest fire risk is completed with an aim of reducing the ratio and ecological damage caused by the fire. Suggested model is based on the combination of Geographical Information Systems and multi-criteria decision analysis using Analytic Hierarchy Process for mapping and assessment of forest fire risk in the area of Municipality Nevesinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The process was developed with an aid of 8 criteria grouped in four clusters. The weights are determined using AHP. Final map of forest fire risk is classified in 5 categories, from very low to very high risk, and indicates that 13.2% of Municipality area is in very high forest fire risk zone. The proposed method and the results of this study can be used for a policy of sustainable development at all levels of government.

Keywords

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• forest fire
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• multi-criteria
• Nevesinje
• risk map