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Research Article Volume 11 Issue 4
Forest fires: consider preventive measures, not just reactive ones
Juan E Gil-Mora
Received: August 06, 2026 | Published: August 20, 2026
Citation: Gil-Mora JE. Forest fires: consider preventive measures, not just reactive ones. MOJ Eco Environ Sci. 2026;11(4):126-131. DOI: 10.15406/mojes.2026.11.00392
Abstract
Fire results from the interaction between an ignition source and landscape vegetation; meteorological variables and the nature of the fuel influence the ignition of fires. The meteorological variables to consider include temperature, wind speed and direction, relative humidity, solar radiation incidence, and atmospheric stability. Rising temperatures during the hot, dry season lead to lower relative humidity, affecting the moisture content of dry fuels and increasing their flammability. Wind speed promotes the spread of flames; the most dangerous situations are accompanied by strong, dry winds. Fuel—specifically, the chemical composition of the vegetation—determines its energy content and flammability; the moisture content of both live and dead fuel is significant, particularly from May to October, the dry season characterized by a lack of precipitation. If the fire encounters conditions favorable to its spread, it sweeps across vast areas, inflicting severe damage on vegetation, wildlife, and the soil, and causing ecological, economic, and social losses. Data on meteorological al variables were obtained from SENAMHI stations. The analysis of fire incidence utilized fire data from INDECI, as well as the physical evidence method to reconstruct the progression of a forest fire and classify its cause. Finally, a predictive fire model was applied to the vegetation cover, taking into account the interaction between physical and climatic factors. The report indicates that over 95% of the causes are anthropogenic, and recommendations—such as the early detection of at-risk areas and public policy measures—are outlined. Wildfires destroy vast areas of vegetation, acting as a primary driver of habitat and ecosystem fragmentation while contributing to deforestation, erosion, and desertification.
Keywords: vegetation cover, irradiation, prevention, scrub, pyrophytic
©2026 Gil-Mora. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.
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