Multi-Criteria Assessment of Industrial Fire Vulnerability in the Setif Industrial Area and Its Surroundings Using GIS and AHP.

Industrial fires represent a critical global hazard, with consequences that extend beyond immediate physical damage to significantly influence urban morphology and socio-spatial vulnerabilities, especially in emerging industrial economies. In Setif, Algeria, industrial fires pose an increasing threat to public safety and economic stability, with 23 incidents reported in the Setif industrial zone over the past two decades, as documented by civil protection authorities. This situation is exacerbated by the absence of systematic risk assessment frameworks and comprehensive safety protocols. This study assesses the vulnerability of industrial zones amid the region's rapid urban-industrial growth, employing an integrated approach combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) spatial analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for multi-criteria decision-making. Ten criteria, selected based on prior studies and expert consultations, form the basis of this analysis. The results challenge prevailing assumptions by revealing that traditional industrial zones inadequately represent vulnerability distribution. Notably, the western growth corridor shows heightened risk concentrations due to locational constraints and intensive industrial activities. Furthermore, the analysis uncovers significant deficiencies in integrated risk management systems, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms including improved urban planning, enhanced technical supervision, and mandatory safety training. These evidence-based insights offer policymakers practical recommendations to address systemic vulnerabilities, reduce fire risks, and support sustainable development while maintaining Setif’s evolving urban-industrial landscape.