Landscape Heterogeneity and Transition Drive Wildfire Frequency in the Central Zone of Chile
Wildfire regimes are closely linked to changes in landscape structure, yet the influence of accelerated land use transitions on fire activity remains poorly understood, particularly in rapidly transforming regions like central Chile. Although land use change has been extensively documented in the co...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Remote Sensing |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/15/2721 |
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| Summary: | Wildfire regimes are closely linked to changes in landscape structure, yet the influence of accelerated land use transitions on fire activity remains poorly understood, particularly in rapidly transforming regions like central Chile. Although land use change has been extensively documented in the country, the specific role of the speed, extent, and spatial configuration of these transitions in shaping fire dynamics requires further investigation. To address this gap, we examined how landscape transitions influence fire frequency in central Chile, a region experiencing rapid land use change and heightened fire activity. Using multi-temporal remote sensing data, we quantified land use transitions, calculated landscape metrics to describe their spatial characteristics, and applied intensity analysis to assess their relationship with fire frequency changes. Our results show that accelerated landscape transitions significantly increased fire frequency, particularly in areas affected by forest plantation rotations, new forest establishment, and urban expansion, with changes exceeding uniform intensity expectations. Regional variations were evident: In the more densely populated northern areas, increased fire frequency was primarily linked to urban development and deforestation, while in the more rural southern regions, forest plantation cycles played a dominant role. Areas with a high number of large forest patches were especially prone to fire frequency increases. These findings demonstrate that both the speed and spatial configuration of landscape transitions are critical drivers of wildfire activity. By identifying the specific land use changes and landscape characteristics that amplify fire risks, this study provides valuable knowledge to inform fire risk reduction, landscape management, and urban planning in Chile and other fire-prone regions undergoing rapid transformation. |
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| ISSN: | 2072-4292 |