Susceptibility of forest fire in urban area of Uba, MG, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to produce a map of susceptibility to fires in vegetation within the urban perimeter of the city of Uba, MG, Brazil, with the use of information related to topography, land cover and land use and the proximity of access roads and urban areas, using GIS techniques. From the validation of the generated cartogram, it was observed that 80 % of cases were located in areas of high and very high risk, 15 % in medium-risk and 5 % in areas of low and very low risk. Was observed in this study that the largest number of occurrences is concentrated near urban areas. In other studies, these authors found that, besides the favourable physical environment it is necessary a causative agent to fire occur. In area of very high or very low risk, the event will only occur from an initial cause or source of heat. This mapping will serve as a tool for establishing public policies to prevent power, acting in promoting awareness and control measures in the areas of highest risk.