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An optimization model to prioritize fuel treatments within a landscape fuel break network

Author

Listed:
  • Dung Nguyen
  • Yu Wei
  • Erin J Belval
  • Matthew P Thompson
  • Benjamin M Gannon
  • Jesse D Young
  • Christopher D O’Connor
  • David E Calkin

Abstract

We present a mixed integer programming model for prioritizing fuel treatments within a landscape fuel break network to maximize protection against wildfires, measured by the total fire size reduction or the sum of Wildland Urban Interface areas avoided from burning. This model uses a large dataset of simulated wildfires in a large landscape to inform fuel break treatment decisions. Its mathematical formulation is concise and computationally efficient, allowing for customization and expansion to address more complex and challenging fuel break management problems in diverse landscapes. We constructed test cases for Southern California of the United States to understand model outcomes across a wide range of fire and fuel management scenarios. Results suggest optimal fuel treatment layouts within the Southern California’s fuel break network responding to various model assumptions, which offer insights for regional fuel break planning. Comparative tests between the proposed optimization model and a rule-based simulation approach indicate that the optimization model can provide significantly better solutions within reasonable solving times, highlighting its potential to support fuel break management and planning decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Dung Nguyen & Yu Wei & Erin J Belval & Matthew P Thompson & Benjamin M Gannon & Jesse D Young & Christopher D O’Connor & David E Calkin, 2024. "An optimization model to prioritize fuel treatments within a landscape fuel break network," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(12), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0313591
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313591
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rodriguez Gonzalez, Jesus & del Barrio, Gabriel & Duguy, Beatriz, 2008. "Assessing functional landscape connectivity for disturbance propagation on regional scales—A cost-surface model approach applied to surface fire spread," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 211(1), pages 121-141.
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