Design of risk index maps as a tool to prevent forest fires in the humid Atlantic zone of Galicia (NW Spain)

In previous articles, we set the basis for the determination of risk indices of forest biomass of Galicia. With this aim, calorific values, flammability, density, moisture contents, ash percentage after combustion, elementary chemical composition, and heavy metal contents over the seasons of the year for the different species which make up the woodland map of a given zone were determined. In the present paper, these studies were applied to this humid Atlantic zone situated in Galicia (NW Spain). The special climatic characteristics of the humid Atlantic zone chosen for our study make its vegetal community singularly gifted. The calorific values of combustion at 25°C were measured by static bomb calorimetry for the different forest species existing in the zone. These data were complemented with flammability values, measured by an epiradiator and completed with chemical analyzes. Some biological and climatic properties necessary for our calculations were taken from available literature. A combined study of all these parameters led to calculation of risk indices of the forest species of the zone over the year. The knowledge of the seasonal risk indices can be very helpful to prevent and fight forest fires effectively, and also for a rational management and exploitation of the forest resources through the obtention of xyloenergy.