This repository details a comprehensive study on Wildfire Impact Assessment and Risk Mapping in Los Angeles, conducted by a team of five members. Our project successfully achieved the highest available grade and addresses the increasing vulnerability of metropolitan and woodland areas, particularly in Los Angeles, to wildfires.
The core of this research employs Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies. It focuses on forecasting wildfire occurrences, analyzing prior fire history patterns, and identifying hazardous zones. We also analyzed how climate conditions favor these fires and the interdependence between wildfire spread and the vulnerability of critical infrastructures like highways and urban borders.
Our findings shed light on areas highly susceptible to increased fire spread, including forest peripheries and roads. We identified challenges such as the long distances fire-eradicating hydrants sweep along coastal winds and an unequal distribution of fire stations, with more resources in less prone areas compared to highly vulnerable ones.
The project proposes actionable measures to enhance resilience against wildfire disasters, which include:
- Restaging of resources.
- Construction of fire protection cuttings around highways.
- Preparedness awareness programs.
- Leveraging GIS risk mapping in town planning and disaster management.
This repository comprises the complete work from our semester-long effort, including:
- Detailed Reports: In-depth documentation of methodologies, analysis, and results.
- Research Paper: A comprehensive paper, titled "Wildfire Impact Assessment and Risk Mapping in Los Angeles: A GIS based approach", which has been submitted for publication.
- Presentations (PPTs): Dynamic slide decks used to present our findings throughout the semester.
- Posters: Visual summaries of the project and key results, showcasing the entire semester's work done as a team.
- Pankaj Mali
- Sakshi Dodke
- Sumedh Pimplikar
- Manasi Sabale
- Prithviraj Rathod
- Gaurav Tanpure
Note: This project highlights the critical role of geospatial analysis and data-driven decision-making in mitigating wildfire risks and improving disaster preparedness.