Evaluation of the Integrated Fire Index (IFI) in Sardinia

This study presents a new fire danger model suitable for Mediterranean-type vegetation. The model Integrated Fire Index (IFI) requires three types of inputs: weather data, fuel, and topography. The model was calibrated in Sardinia, the second largest Mediterranean island with a high fire occurrence, mostly during the summer-fall period. The model was tested using both observed weather data and forecasts from a limited area model (BoLam). A comparison with other well diffuse fire danger models was carried out after the calibration. The analysis generated satisfactory results, indicating a high potential of the model to predict a fire occurrence. Thus, preliminary observations unveiled that this new index could be a useful tool for assisting fire managers with the control and mitigation of the harmful effects of wildfire in Sardinia.