Forest fire dynamics in India (2005–2022): Unveiling climatic Impacts, spatial Patterns, and interface with anthrax incidence

Abstract

The comprehensive analysis of forest fires in India from 2005 to 2022 underscores the urgent need for national-scale management and conservation efforts. Using kriging techniques, significant hotspots were identified, revealing a substantial increase in forest fire incidents in Mizoram by 2022, averaging 2614.78 ± 1519.36 occurrences. The study highlights the direct influence of climate conditions on forest fire occurrences, with significant positive correlations found with average and maximum temperatures. Furthermore, the impact of forest fires on anthrax dynamics in Orissa, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh was examined, illustrating the ecological disruptions’ implications for livestock and public health. This study advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration and tailored strategies to proactively manage forest fires, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure community well-being.

Keywords

• Forest fires
• Climate attributes
• Kriging
• Bland-Altman analysis
• Anthrax dynamics