The wildfire of 1998 in Central Catalonia. Analysis of land cover changes (1956-2009) at different scales: at the level of fire and property

Abstract

The wildfire of 1998 in Central Catalonia. Analysis of land cover changes (1956-2009) at different scales: at the level of fire and property The aim of this study is to diagnose the wildfire occurred in 1998 in Central Catalonia, based on the changes in land cover at different scales analysis and its relation to Great Forest Fires (GIF). Methodologically, the study combines quantitative analysis (land cover) with the analysis of qualitative (two interviews with affected landowners). The analysis of changes has been made at fire and property scales, in the periods 1956- 2009, 1956-1993 and 1993-2009. The results at the fire scale show a trend close to a forest transition throughout the period. At farm scale, there is a different involvement of the fire at two properties, associated to different land use management, concluding that after the Great Forest Fire in the properties that are more affected in which appear a diversity of covers that could offer an opportunity to break the forest homogeneity and rethink its management.

Keywords: Forest Transition Theory, Great Forest Fires, forest management and land use.