The REMAINS R-package: Paving the way for fire-landscape modeling and management

Modelling landscape dynamics is crucial for assessing the potential effectiveness of upgraded land management. In fire-prone regions, wildfires play a critical role in shaping landscapes, and land-use and fire suppression policies strongly influence landscape patterns and fire regimes. In this paper, we introduce REMAINS, a spatially explicit process-based model, implemented as a user-friendly R package. REMAINS enables the simulation of fire landscape dynamics under different land-use and fire management scenarios. The package incorporates the spatial interaction of fire-related processes including fire ignition, spread and extinction, as well as vegetation dynamics such as including natural succession and post-fire regeneration. With a comprehensive set of functions, REMAINS allows for the simulation of two fire-suppression strategies, prescribed fire approaches, and land-use policy scenarios. Furthermore, REMAINS facilitates the assessment of the impacts of such management options on fire regime attributes. This model enhances capacity building beyond academia and supports policy-and decision-making process.

Automated summary

This paper introduces a model called REMAINS, which can simulate fire landscape dynamics under different land-use and fire management scenarios. It plays a crucial role in assessing the potential effectiveness of upgraded land management and supporting policy and decision-making processes.