Study of forests fires in Ukraine as a consequence of military actions according to remote earth sensing data

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to conduct a spatiotemporal analysis of wildfire spread and identify burned forest areas using remote sensing data within the regions of Ukraine that experienced active combat from the start of the full-scale Russian invasion until the end of 2023. Additionally, it seeks to identify forest ecosystems affected by fires within protected areas.

The main material. As of 2023, according to the State Environmental Inspection, approximately 3 million hectares of Ukrainian forests have been affected by hostilities, which accounts for nearly one-third of the country’s entire forest fund. The combat zone has included the territories of 900 protected areas with a total area of 1.24 million hectares. The article presents the results of an analysis of fire spread from the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russian forces until the end of 2023 in regions of Ukraine affected by active hostilities. Based on remote sensing data, cartographic materials were prepared to illustrate zones of the highest concentration of burned areas. Particular attention is given to the impact of hostilities on natural forest ecosystems and the protected areas, which comprise approximately 50% of the country’s total forested areas. The study identified a spatial correlation between the spread of fires and the location of the front line, as well as a temporal dynamic of ignitions that coincides with periods of intensified combat activities.

Conclusions and further research. Satellite data from MODIS and VIIRS, utilized via the EFFIS platform, demonstrated high effectiveness in detecting burned areas, particularly in regions inaccessible due to military operations or occupation. However, their limited spatial resolution reduces the accuracy of assessing the scale of forest damage. The spatial-temporal fire analysis results presented in the article may serve as a foundation for identifying areas requiring more detailed investigations. These investigations should aim to refine estimates of forest ecosystem losses, evaluate the extent of damage, and develop strategies for restoring forests affected by the war.