Πρόληψη των δασικών πυρκαγιών με χρήση γεωχωρικών τεχνολογιών

Abstract

Wildfires are considered to be one of the biggest problems societies are asked to face not only in Cyprus but in many countries around the world as well. In Cyprus, wildfires often break out in forests and more specifically within the Mediterranean zones with vast plantations of pine trees and bushes. Nowadays, technological developments such as the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are vital in locating wildfires in a short amount of time and correctly managing each situation as it fits properly. The Department of Forests in partnership with local universities has initiated an effort to design systems for the timely detection of wildfires through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The main reason for this effort is the immediate and realistic management of wildfires. Through their continuous upgrades, the Geographic Information Systems have the ability to offer solutions regarding both their design and placement (how and when an alert is raised as well as the location/ area where the system monitors for a wildfire) as well as the management of wildfires after these have been extinguished. As mentioned above, through the us of the Geographic Information Systems, it is now possible to timely trace wildfires. While different variables are taken into consideration at any said time, measures can be set in place for a better co-ordination of the Fire Department. This paper aims to present some of the systems currently employed in countries all over the world. Unfortunately, Cyprus at the moment, is not as technologically advanced in the matter of introducing or developing such technology to effectively and efficiently fight wildfires. Chapter one of this paper presents some general information about the local forest ecosystem and wildfires. A reference is made to the word forest while the types of forest fires are analyzed as well as the main factors that influence their behaviour, their main causes and effects, as well as a general reference to the most recent forest fires in Cyprus. Chapter two presents an extensive description of the terms of different methods of prevention, repression and forest restoration employed in recent years. Chapters three and four present in detail the fire prevention and management systems currently employed abroad. Finally, chapter five records the conclusions of the writer.