Evaluation and enhancement of accessibility of forest areas through the road network for conducting firefighting operations via GIS and fire susceptibility analysis

Managing wildfires relies on comprehensive prevention studies and decision-making plans, with the forest road network serving as the primary means for ground firefighting forces.This research establishes a multi-criteria assessment and improvement system for forest areas accessibility, enhancing firefighting operations.Criteria like hiking time, distance from the road network, and terrain topography determine accessibility.Using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and spatial analysis considering slope, aspect, fuel type, and distances from human infrastructure, high fire risk areas are identified.This insight led to designing new roads in critical zones to enhance firefighting effectiveness.Re-evaluating accessibility post-road design demonstrates the percentage improvement achieved.Applied in mountainous, mid-altitude, and suburban Mediterranean forest ecosystems, this methodology offers guidelines for real-world forest management, enhancing the sustainability and resilience of forest ecosystems.