A spatio-temporal analysis of fires in South Africa

摘要: The prevalence and history of fires in Africa has led to the continent being named ‘the fire continent’. Fires are common on lead a high number annual disasters which result many human fatalities considerable financial loss. Increased population growth concentrated settlement planning increase probability associated loss life when occur. In order better understand spatial temporal variations characteristics South Africa, an 11-year data set MODIS-derived Active Fire Hotspots was analysed using open source geographic information system. study included mapping national frequency over period. Results indicate that highest occurred northeastern regions particular mountainous KwaZulu-Natal Mpumalanga, Western Cape. Increasing trends provincial were observed eight nine provinces with Mpumalanga only province for decrease observed. Temporally, all months provinces, although distinct seasons largely driven by rainfall seasons. southwestern (winter-rainfall regions) experienced higher frequencies during summer rest country (summer-rainfall winter months. Certain – those bimodal did not display because complex wet dry Investigation into likely effects climate change African revealed increased air temperatures events such as La Nina have marked effect activity.