Topography
Topography is an important physiographic factor, which is related to wind behavior and hence, affects the
fire proneness of the area (Amini and Shataee 2009). Fire travels most rapidly up slopes and least rapidly down
slopes. A major portion of the forest in the study area is located on steep hills, which helps to spread a fire. The
altitude of the area varies from 600 to 2500 m above MSL. Aspect and altitude also play a vital role in spreading fire. This study is also an attempt to exploit the capabilities GIS techniques to suggest anappropriate
methodology for forest fire risk zone mapping. ThisGIS-based model seems to be a reasonably good approach
for the conditions in Golestan, where a major part of the forested land is being encroached upon by the
population.