A GIS-BASED DECISION ANALYSIS USING MULTI-PARAMETRIC WEIGHTED INDEX MODEL FOR FOREST FIRE RISK MAPPING IN MEDITERRANEAN

The forested areas along the coastal zone of the Mediterranean region in Turkey are classified as first-degree fire sensitive areas. Forest fires are major environmental disaster that affects the sustainability of forest ecosystems. Besides, forest fires result in important economic losses and even threaten human lives. The most important basis in reducing fire damage is the early detection of forest fires. Mapping forest fire risk areas increases the speed of fire response and prevents further damage. Forest fires in the Mediterranean region are closely related to the geography, climate and vegetation of the region. The dense population mobility in the region and the fact that the settlements were established in and near the forest are also the main causes of forest fires in the region. The aim of this study is to map the fire risk areas of Antalya province in the Mediterranean region through ArcGIS 10, focusing primarily on the human factor. A multiparametric weighted index model was adopted to derive and demarcate the forest fire-risk map with risk variables such as vegetation, topographic factors, and proximity to the road and settlements. GIS was used for the analysis and calculations required for these parameters. The analysis was carried out by assigning subjective weights to the criteria effective on forest fire. As a result, GISbased forest fire risk map of Antalya province was revealed. According to the results of the study, it was determined that 15.5% of Antalya's surface area is very risky, 23.8% is risky, 25,6% is medium risk, 22.5% is low risk and 12,6% is risk-free.