Forest Fire Spreading Using Free and Open-Source GIS Technologies

Forest fires are one of the most dangerous events, causing serious land and environmental degradation. Indeed, besides loss a huge quantity plant species, effects can go far beyond: desertification, increased risk landslides, soil erosion, death animals, etc. For these reasons, mathematical models able to predict fire spreading needed in order organize optimize extinguishing interventions during emergencies. This work presents new system simulate movement front based on free open source Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies Rothermel surface spread model, with adjustments made by Albini. We describe used, provide an overview GIS design implementation, present results some simulations at Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy), characterized high geomorphological heterogeneity, where native flora fauna may be preserved perpetuated. The consist raster maps representing progress times starting from ignition point as function topography wind directions. reliability is strictly affected correct positioning point, accuracy that describes morphology territory, setting meteorological conditions moment propagation fire.