Determination of spatial trends of hotspots as a strategy for forest fires monitoring in Durango, México

Abstract

In Mexico hotspots detection is a useful tool to provide opportune information on forest fire fighting. The aim of this study was to assess hotspots for the period of 2001–2010 in various ecozones in the north of México. The study area was divided into 1,343 physiographical units, and quantitative indices of clustering were calculated using the Getis-Ord statistics. As a statistical test on the validity of the clustering, a p-value test was carried out. Results revealed that the locations of hotspots showed a clustered distribution that was remarkable on conifer-oak ecosystems. A remaining challenge is to conduct more detailed analyses that investigate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the spatial clustered fire. Historical data were attractive in terms of simplicity, low costs, and transparency. They also provide useful information to researchers to conceptualize where ignitions could occur. The approach could be applied at a finer time and space scale where ignition data are available.