Abstract

Assessing Fire Risk from Land Abandonment in Evora, Portugal
Track: Fire, Rescue, and EMS
Authors: Catherine McKnight, Kirsten Jurich

This study explores the effect of fire management in Evora, Portugal by modeling and comparing existing conditions to converted shrubland from grassland. Fuel models were digitized in ArcGIS using aerial imagery and 90 GPS ground control points of land cover. Spatial comparisons were evaluated using ArcGIS. Results indicate an increased fire risk due to shrubland encroachment. Methodology used in this report can be adapted to identify priority sites in need of improved fire management.