THE RISCS OF FIRE IN FUNCTION OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF CLIMATE, RELIEF AND SOIL COVER

ABSTRACT

Thematic maps of fuel and slope classes of Viçosa county, MG, and a meteorological index of forecast of fires (formula of Monte Alegre) were used to determine the areas and the time with greater risks of fires occurrence. The county presented an average of 126 critical days in the period between June and October. The results suggest that simple indices, based only in the variable of precipitation, can be developed. Final maps were generated, showing the potential risk of fires occurrence on each atmospheric condition, according to the meteorological model (small, medium or high/very high risk).

Key words
Fire; climatic index; geographic information system