Towards an integrated framework for forest fire control

This paper presents the development of an integrated system for forest fire control. The system consists of a geographical information system (GIS) module, a mathematical programming (MP) module and a simulation module. The GIS is used to represent geographical information regarding the forest area and to transform the spatial characteristics in a format readable by the MP models. The MP module employs some basic demand covering models to deploy the available fire fighting resources in proper positions so that any forest fire is attacked within a specified time limit. Finally, the simulation module is used to experiment with alternative scenarios and to decide how the fire fighting services should be reallocated according to the development of a particular fire. An application of the method in the area of Parnitha, near Athens, is discussed.