Statistical and spatial analysis of forest fire ignition points: a study case in South of France

In south of France, the forest fire origin is mainly due to human activities. It represents 96 % of the fire causes. A study concerning spatial distribution of past fire ignition points was performed trying to point out areas where the fire ignition is important, in order to know. the repartition of ignition points and to model its distribution. A statistical data analysis, at a French area level, has allowed to relate ignition point density with global indicators of human activity and to develop a model taking into account the distance between the fire ignition points and the roads at an accurate scale. Ignition point densities were calculated by municipality and were confronted with population density and surface covered by forest. An analysis of the spatial distribution of 46 fire ignition point was performed near Marseille. Distance between the ignition points and the roads were calculated, the causes of fire ignition being generally known or presumed for each fire. This study has allowed to supply fire ignition point density according to the population density and the surface covered by forest. A reliable database of ignition point digitalization should supply a strong spatial relationships ? allowing to develop a better knowledge of the ignition phenomenon.