Forest fire hotspot identification and assessment of forest fire impact on AOD over Simlipal biosphere reserve, Odisha (India)

The periodic forest fire incident adversely impacts the function and services of ecologically fragile forest regions and the worst air quality conditions. Reliable information on forest fire hotspots can offer to develop and implement appropriate action plans to minimize the severe impacts of the forest fire on society and the environment. The Simlipal Biosphere Reserves (SBR) in Odisha state is one of India's major forest fire hotspots, where forest fire occurs almost every year. The present study deployed long-term (2003-2021) MODIS fire datasets (namely, MYD14A1: Fire Radiative Power (FRP); and MCD64A1: Burned area (BA) product) to delineate the forest fire hot spots using the Getis-Ord Gi* approach over the SBR. The spatiotemporal analysis of the MODIS fire dataset (during 2003-2021) showed that the maximum fire extents were comparatively more in 2004, 2009, 2010, 2018, and 2021. Furthermore, the derived forest fire hotspot map exhibited that similar to 225, 108, and 30 km(2) areas are prone to forest fire based on the FRP, BA, and intersection of FRP and BA datasets, respectively. The forest fire hotspot patches are found nearby the human settlement regions in the SBR, and the areas near the Ligirda, Debasthali, Bhanjbasa, and Kiajhari villages seem highly prone to forest fire occurrence. On the other hand, a significant correlation (R-2 = 0.45-0.62, p < 0.01) was observed between the area coverage of FRP and BA patches with aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the SBR during 2003-2021. The outcomes of the present study shall be key inputs in assisting, managing, and preventing forest fires over the identified fire hotspot zones in SBR to reduce the socio-economic and environmental losses.

Automated summary

The periodic forest fire incident has a negative impact on ecologically fragile forest regions and air quality. Reliable information on forest fire hotspots can help develop action plans to minimize the severe impacts. This study analyzed the forest fire hotspots in the Simlipal Biosphere Reserve in India, finding that the fire extents were most severe in certain years. The study also identified areas prone to forest fires, especially near human settlements.