Determination of forest fires risk potential map of Mentese region of Mugla with geographic information systems

Forest fires are a major environmental disaster, they can start from different reasons and spread over large areas. In our country, approximately 12 million hectares of forest area, especially Mediterranean and Aegean regions have a potential risk for fire. Forest fire risk zones are known as places where the fire can easily start and spread quickly to other areas. It is impossible to control nature, but it is possible to minimize fire spread and reduce damage by mapping forest fire risk areas. According to the 2018 data of the General Directorate of Forestry, it is seen that there are 2167 forest fires in our country and Mugla province is the first with 299 forest fires. Approximately half of these fires occurred in Mentese, which includes Mentese, Kavaklidere, Ula, Yatagan, Milas, Marmaris, Datca and Bodrum districts. The aim of this study is to prepare the fire risk map of Mentese region in Mugla province. Distance, aspect, slope and vegetation are determined as the main parameters for the study. As a result of the study, a forest fire risk map has been prepared based geographical information systems (GIS). According to the fire risk map, 11.86% of the area has high risk, 18.32% risk, 25.23% intermediate risk, 20.40% low risk and 24.19% non-risk. It is thought that the results of the study will be a guide in planning, precaution and management works against forest fires.