Fuel model mapping by IKONOS imagery to support spatially esplicit fire simulators

The effect of fire environment on fire spread and behaviour can be adequately simulated by using different models, mainly based on semiphysical approaches. Effects on fire behaviour can be integrated at various scales using spatially and temporally explicit fire spread and behaviour simulators. Criticisms of fire simulators frequently concern the need of high resolution environmental data, in particular data on fuel types, fuel model characteristics and weather variables. The aim of this work was to evaluate the capabilities of IKONOS imagery to accurately map fuel types and fuel model for the main Mediterranean maquis associations in Northern Sardinia (Italy). We also evaluated the sensitivity of the predicted fire spread and fire behaviour to variation in spatial resolution of fuel model maps. The results showed a sensitivity of the predicted burned areas and rate of spread to the accuracy and resolution of fuel model maps, providing a clear insight for the use of fire simulators in fire management applications.