A spatial optimisation model for multi-period landscape level fuel management to mitigate wildfire impacts

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BushfireTopic: 
Fire Management
Fuel Management
Risk Management
Project Reference: 
Operations research to support bushfire management
TitleA spatial optimisation model for multi-period landscape level fuel management to mitigate wildfire impacts
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsMinas, JP, Hearne, J, Martell, D
JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research
KeywordsFuel management, Integer programming, OR in natural resources, Spatial optimization, Wildfire, wildland fire
AbstractElevated fuel loads are contributing to an increase in the occurrence of, and area burned by, severe wildfires in many regions across the globe. In an attempt to reverse this trend, fire and land management agencies are investing in extensive fuel management programs. However, the planning of fuel treatment activities poses complicated decision-making problems with spatial and temporal dimensions. Here, we present a mixed integer programming model for spatially explicit multi-period scheduling of fuel treatments. The model provides a flexible framework that allows for landscape heterogeneity and a range of ecological and operational considerations and constraints. The model’s functionality is demonstrated on a series of hypothetical test landscapes and a number of implementation issues are discussed.
URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377221713006073
DOI10.1016/j.ejor.2013.07.026