Vegetation fires along the Czech rail network

Abstract Background In the past, fires around railways were often associated with steam locomotives. Although locomotives have disappeared from everyday rail traffic, still occur. A vegetation fire near Bzenec (Czech Republic) on 21 June 2018 affected, for example, 124,110 m 2 of forest and grassland. The investigation revealed that was caused by a spark passing train. this study, we analyzed occurred Czech railway lines between 2011 2019 to investigate their temporal pattern relation weather conditions or identify most hazardous locations. Results Fires concentrated mainly March August in afternoon. They are also more likely occur during periods high air temperature, low rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed. Using KDE+ method, identified 186 hotspots, which contained 510 represented only 0.3% length entire network. Spatial analysis there than 4 times higher odds occurs an electrified line non-electrified additional 10 freight trains per 24 h increases 5%. Conclusions As results show, relatively common phenomenon, due favorable conditions. Grassy areas dry dead particularly at risk. These can be ignited, sparks brakes vehicles. Due global warming, expected frequently future. hotspots thus used reduce risk fires, example managing surrounding vegetation.