Forest fire risk zones delimited with the Normalized Differentiated Burning Radius (DNBR) in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, Mexico

Background: Forest fires play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics, bringing both positive and negative effects that significantly impact areas like the Sierra Norte de Oaxaca (SNO). Question: What levels of severity most influence the distribution of trees in a forest? Studied species: Temperate Forest species. Study area: Oaxaca, Sierra Norte, January - December 2023 Methods: Data reported by CONAFOR from 1992 to 2020 was utilized. Spatial analysis was conducted using the Normalized Burning Index with SENTINEL satellite images in the SNO. Variables related to human activities, such as transportation routes and population, were included in the index. A total of 151 fire records were collected from 2006 to 2020. Results: Ixtlán had the highest number of fires during the evaluated period. The forest fire risk index indicated that the largest area at Very High risk is located in the Mixe district, highlighting the need for decision-makers to focus efforts on this region. Conclusions: Conclusions: Very High risk is distributed in the Mixe district, so it is important that decision makers focus efforts on this study area.