Spatio-temporal dynamics of forest fire occurrence in Yunnan, China from 2001 to 2021 based on MODIS

Under the influence of factors such as climate and land use changes, it is highly useful to investigate the spatio-temporal occurrence characteristics of forest fires using remote sensing data. This study utilized long-term remote sensing data on Active Fire Spots (AFSs), Burned Areas (BA), and Land Cover Types (LCT) in Yunnan Province. Through pixelization of AFSs, spatial extraction, and spatio-temporal clustering, 39,101 Forest Fire Events (FFEs) were identified. The results indicate that FFEs in Yunnan Province exhibit spatio-temporal clustering, with an overall annual fluctuating decline trend. The clustering is more pronounced in spring and winter, with a delayed temporal span. Over 88% of FFEs are concentrated in southern Yunnan, and the frequent occurrence areas have shifted eastward in recent years. This study deepens the understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of forest fires and provides a basis for regional forest fire management to promote sustainable development in related fields.