Inventory and Mapping of Forest fire risk zones using GIS techniques (Case study: Marivan Forest Area) A forest fire can be a real ecological disaster, regardless of weather it is caused by natural forces or human activity. It is impossible to control nature, but it is possible to map forest fire risk zones and thereby minimize the frequency of fire and avert damages. Forest fire risk zones are locations where a fire is likely to start and from where it can easily spread to other areas. A precise evaluation of forest fire problems and decisions on solution methods can only be satisfactory made when a fire risk zone map is available. Fire is one of the most natural disturbance factors in Zagros forest area of Iran. This study carried out in the Zarivar lake area that the forests fire has been happened in this area every year. The main aim of this study is inventory and mapping of forest fire risk zones using GIS techniques. The results are shown that the areas near to the residential are delineated as very high fire risk zones by considering a combination of factors such as the high human disturbance, favorable vegetation density, steep slopes and south aspects. In medium risk zone, the human disturbance is minimal and the vegetation density is lower. An area that is away from the residential areas, where the vegetation is sparse, in the east and north aspects and with gentle slopes comes under low risk zone.
