Socio-geographic analysis of the causes of the 2006’s wildfires in Galicia (Spain)
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Balsa Barreiro, J
Hermosilla, T
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Aim of study: To propose a methodology to establish motivations underlying wildland fire episodes by analyzing both the socioeconomics of the affected territory and the geographical distribution of the wildfire.
Area of study: The wildfires occurred during 2006 in Galicia, in the NW of Spain, were analyzed and compared regard to the previous years.
Material and methods: The proposed methodology in this study is divided into four steps: (a) definition of the forest context, (b) fire episode and socioeconomic data collection, (c) geospatial representation through map production, and (d) joint analysis and data interpretation. A combined analysis of the spatial and temporal coincidence of wildfire and the socioeconomic activities is performed.
Main results: A combined analysis of the spatial and temporal coincidence of wildfire dynamics and the socioeconomic activitiesallow us to assess and to interpret wildfire causes and motivations of socioeconomic groups. In our area study, a broad analysis indicates that wildfire recurrence within this region is related to an accelerated rural flight process which exacerbates the conflict between rural and urban models.
Research highlights: The socio-geographical analysis of a territory’s wildfire dynamics enables us to establish possible causes and motivations of their origins. Providing the specific contextual and socioeconomic information, this methodology has potential applicability across varied study locations.
Area of study: The wildfires occurred during 2006 in Galicia, in the NW of Spain, were analyzed and compared regard to the previous years.
Material and methods: The proposed methodology in this study is divided into four steps: (a) definition of the forest context, (b) fire episode and socioeconomic data collection, (c) geospatial representation through map production, and (d) joint analysis and data interpretation. A combined analysis of the spatial and temporal coincidence of wildfire and the socioeconomic activities is performed.
Main results: A combined analysis of the spatial and temporal coincidence of wildfire dynamics and the socioeconomic activitiesallow us to assess and to interpret wildfire causes and motivations of socioeconomic groups. In our area study, a broad analysis indicates that wildfire recurrence within this region is related to an accelerated rural flight process which exacerbates the conflict between rural and urban models.
Research highlights: The socio-geographical analysis of a territory’s wildfire dynamics enables us to establish possible causes and motivations of their origins. Providing the specific contextual and socioeconomic information, this methodology has potential applicability across varied study locations.
Date Issued
2013-11-28
Date Acceptance
2013-08-20
Citation
Forest Systems, 2013, 22 (3), pp.497-509
ISSN
2171-5068
Publisher
Editorial CSIC
Start Page
497
End Page
509
Journal / Book Title
Forest Systems
Volume
22
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
© CSIC. Manuscripts published in both the print and online versions of this journal are the property of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and quoting this source is a requirement for any partial or full reproduction. All contents of this electronic edition, except where otherwise noted, are distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. You may read the basic information and the legal text of the licence. The indication of the CC BY 4.0 licence must be expressly stated in this way when necessary.
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2013-12-01