Forest fire risk related to the railway transport and evaluation of the effectiveness of firebreaks

Abstract

The study contains an evaluation of the occurrence of forest fires caused by rail transport and the effectiveness of the firebreaks beside railway lines. Analysis was conducted on the basis of information given in a questionnaire completed by forest administration units, inspection of the actual condition of equipment and maintenance of firebreaks and data are obtained from Polish State Railways and the State Fire Service. Analysis showed that approximately 65% of firebreaks are located in forests most subject to forest fires, 90% of firebreaks are made in pine stands, mainly of over 30 years of age (81.8%). Most forest fires occur in coniferous forest habitats (58.3%). Over 60% of all fires occurred in pine stands. Most frequently stands aged from 30 to 60 years (28%). From analysis of the effectiveness of the application of firebreaks beside railway lines it is shown that the first furrow of the firebreak was crossed by 27.3% of all fires. The conduct of extinguishing operations in the case of forest fires adjacent to railway lines is significantly hindered primarily by the late discovery of the fire, difficult access and initiation of burning along a significant length. The conducted investigations indicated the necessity of making and maintaining firebreaks in order to reduce the risk of fire to adjacent forest areas, which appropriately maintained are capable of reducing the risk of fire. The accuracy of this statement is also confirmed by the fact that such a method of protection is applied in many European countries. On the basis of the analysis conducted, a modification proposal has been drawn up for the existing firebreaks also with guidelines, concerning forest fire prevention in forest areas.