Contrasting patterns and interpretations between a fire spread simulator and a machine learning model when mapping burn probabilities: A case study for Mediterranean areas

• Published in: Environmental modelling & software : with environment data news Vol. 163; p. 105685
• Main Authors: Costa-Saura, J.M., Spano, D., Sirca, C., Bacciu, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2023
• Subjects: algorithms; Burn probability; case studies; computer software; decision making; fire fighting; Fire likelihood; Fire occurrence; fire spread; Fire susceptibility; fuels; Italy; Wildfire management; Wildfire simulators; Italy; Wildfire management; Fire likelihood; Wildfire simulators; Fire occurrence; Fire susceptibility; Burn probability
• ISSN: 1364-8152; 1873-6726
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2023.105685

Two main approaches are commonly used to map fire-prone areas when designing firefighting and prevention campaigns: fire spread simulators and machine learning models. Despite they used mainly the same environmental variables, they differ in handling them. Thus, it is worth assessing differences in results and interpretations for supporting reliable decision-making process. Burn probabilities (BP) were calculated in Southern Italy using FlamMap and the Random Forest algorithm. Results showed contrasting spatial patterns, with Random Forest projecting more smoothed results than Flammap, which showed medium-high BP values only across some locations. In addition, BP from FlamMap and Random Forest differ across fuel types and environmental conditions. Results suggest that decisions based on fire simulators might be more tightly linked with actions preventing fire spread. In contrast, those based on machine learning might be more linked with fire occurrence elements not necessarily related to spreading, e.g., socioeconomic causes. •Burn probability differs between fire simulators and machine learning models.•The relationships between environmental factors and BP change across approaches.•Results interpretation depend on the approach used and it is mandatory.