Forest fire trend analysis and effect of environmental parameters: A study in Jharkhand State of India using Geospatial Technology

Forest fires are a major threat to the existence of forests these days due to climate change and global warming scenario. The present study utilizes geospatial techniques to analyze the incidences of forest fires events from the year 2005 to 2016 in the Jharkhand state of India. Forest fire hotspot areas within the state were identified. The analysis of the datasets reveals that approximately 89% of the forest fires occur in the month of March and April. From 1st March to 10th March the fire starts in North East part of Jharkhand forest because of high wind speed and it continues till the end of March. Later, it intensifies to the south of Jharkhand in Paschim (west) Singhbhum district from 11th to 20th March. From 21st to 31st March the forest fire starts in North West part of Jharkhand in Palamu district which it continues along with Paschim (west) Singhbhum district till the end of April. Three major locations were identified in Jharkhand forest as forest fire hotspot. Statistical analysis (Cramer’s V coefficient) was performed to test the scale / magnitude of association of forest fire with driving factor (meteorological parameters). The range of CVC value varied between 0.74 to 0.32 whereas rainfall retain the highest value 0.74 means it is one of the strongest driving factor among all other environmental parameter contribute to forest fire events. The study of forest fire event analysis, its correlation of trend and its interrelationship with environmental/meteorological parameters gives better comprehension for forest fire events thus helps in mitigation, control and prevention to safeguard our precious forest and the environment.