Characterizing the rate of spread of large wildfires in emerging fire environments of northwestern Europe using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite active fire data

In: Natural hazards and earth system sciences: NHESS, Band 23, Heft 1, S. 361-373

Abstract

Abstract. In recent years fires of greater magnitude have been documented
throughout northwest Europe. With several climate projections indicating
future increases in fire activity in this temperate area, it is imperative
to identify the status of fire in this region. This study unravels unknowns
about the state of the fire regime in northwest Europe by characterizing one
of the key aspects of fire behavior, the rate of spread (ROS). Using an
innovative approach to cluster Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) hotspots into fire perimeter isochrones
to derive ROS, we identify the effects of land cover and season on the rate
of spread of 102 landscape fires that occurred between 2012 and 2022.
Results reveal significant differences between land cover types, and there
is a clear peak of ROS and burned area in the months of March and April.
Median ROS within these peak months is approximately 0.09 km h−1 during a
12 h overpass, and 66 % of the burned area occurs in this spring
period. Heightened ROS and burned area values persist in the bordering
months of February and May, suggesting that these months may present the
extent of the main fire season in northwest Europe. Accurate data on ROS
among the represented land cover types, as well as periods of peak activity,
are essential for determining periods of elevated fire risk, the
effectiveness of available suppression techniques, and appropriate
mitigation strategies (land and fuel management).