Forest fire risk mapping using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and earth observation datasets: a case study in the mountainous terrain of Northeast India

Abstract This study presents a geospatial approach in conjunction with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool for mapping forest fire risk zones the district of Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, India which is very rich biodiversity. Analytical hierarchy process (AHP)-based pair-wise comparison matrix was constructed to compare selected parameters against each other based on their impact/influence (equal, moderate, strong, and extremely strong) fire. The final output delineated area four categories that include high-risk, moderate-risk, low-risk zones. were found be close agreement actual points obtained from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data area. Results indicated Ri-Bhoi’s 804.31 sq. km. (32.86%) under ‘very high’ susceptibility. followed by 583.10 (23.82%), 670.47 (27.39%), 390.12 (15.93%) high, low categories, respectively. These results can used effectively plan control measures advance methodology suggested this adopted areas too delineating potential