Improving Societal Resilience Through a GIS-based Approach to Manage Road Transport Networks Under Wildfire Hazards

Journal Article (2024)
Author(s)

Erica Arango (University of Minho)

María Nogal (TU Delft - Integral Design & Management)

Hélder S. Sousa (University of Minho)

José C. Matos (University of Minho)

Mark G. Stewart (University of Technology Sydney)

Research Group
Integral Design & Management
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.treng.2023.100219
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Research Group
Integral Design & Management
Volume number
15
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Abstract

Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, demonstrating that our capacity to respond to them is insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider wildfire management policies, practices, and decision-support tools, extending beyond emergency measures. This study presents the extension of a GIS-based methodology for fire analysis, providing decision-making support for the implementation of new fire-related policies for road transportation infrastructure. It represents a novel contribution that facilitates the transition towards proactive wildfire policies. The framework is demonstrated to support informed decision-making, addressing both reactive actions, i.e., emergency response, and the evaluation of proactive adaptation measures at a system level. The results suggest that landscape management policies can play an important role in improving the resilience of road networks to wildfires.