Mapping and assessing forest fire severity using remote sensing indices: A case study of Tizi Ouzou, Algeria

Fouzia Boudjemline

doi:10.3986/AGS.14459

Authors

Fouzia Boudjemline Teacher Education College of Setif (ENS), Setif, Algeria https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7071-962X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3986/AGS.14459

Keywords:

wildfire, remote sensing, land surface temperature, NDVI, dNBR, Tizi Ouzou, Algeria

Abstract

In Mediterranean regions, wildfires are exacerbated by rising temperatures and drought, stressing the need for rapid post-fire evaluation. This study employs Landsat‐8 imagery to evaluate the effects of forest fires during summer 2021 in Tizi Ouzou region, Algeria. We calculated the Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and its difference (dNBR) from pre- and post‐fire images, and analyzed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) to evaluate vegetation loss and thermal response. Results indicate 24,700 hectares (~6.7%) with high severity, 55,200 ha (14.9%) with moderate–high and 94,500 ha (25.5%) with moderate–low. These findings highlight the value of combining spectral and thermal indices for wildfire assessment, offering guidance for restoration and management.

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