Inclusion of phytosociological data in an index of vegetation fire danger: application and mapping on the Karst area around Trieste (Italy)

Abstract

In this paper we propose a method to produce maps of fire danger index (FDI). The index includes in the formula a vegetation pyrogenic potential index (VPPI) based on floristic phytosociological data. The map of FDI is produced by integrating available phytosociological maps of vegetation, geomorphology and climate, using the Geographic Information System technology. The method is applied to an area of the coastal Classical Karst (NE-Italy). While fire risk maps based on the incidence of previous fires are useful for facilitating emergency operations, e.g. the allocation of fire fighting resources, we conclude that the proposed index offers an effective tool to plan actions for fire prevention.

Keywords:

• Current vegetation map
• fire danger index
• Karst area
• phytosociological data
• plant traits
• vegetation pyrogenic potential index

Abbreviations:

• D, dryness
• ET₀, evapotranspiration
• FDI, fire danger index
• GIS, Geographical Information Systems
• VPPI, vegetation pyrogenic potential index

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Prof E. Feoli for reading, commenting and correcting the manuscript and for useful discussion.

Notes

1. Mixed woods have been distinguished based on the density (d) of pine (d = [100–350] pines/ha), by combining field measurements and satellite imagery classification.