Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Fires in the Territory of the Municipality of Aleksinac

Abstract

 Introduction: Open-area fires are a major environmental problem and, in most cases, are caused by human negligence. They are often limited in scope and intensity, but can spread and cause serious consequences for natural ecosystems and endanger the lives of people and animals. The municipality of Aleksinac faces similar challenges, as open fires are frequently recorded in its territory.

 Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the spatial and temporal distribution of open-area fires and to observe patterns of their occurrence and spatial grouping.

 Materials and Methods: Fire data recorded by MODIS sensors were downloaded from NASA’s FIRMS platform. Subsets of historical fire locations, registered between January 1, 2001, and July 9, 2025, were downloaded in vector data format. The spatial and temporal analysis was carried out using the QGIS and PAST programmes.

 Results: The highest number of registered fires in one year was recorded in 2007, when a total of 31 fires were registered. A large number of fires were the result of low rainfall and high air temperatures. In periods when the average monthly air temperatures were lower and the monthly amount of precipitation was above the multi-year average, the number of fires was significantly lower. The spatial analysis identified 10 clusters, 5 of which are located in the South Morava Valley. The largest number of fires was registered in Cluster 4, which included the areas west and northwest of Aleksinac, and which spatially coincided with the most intense hotspot of fire occurrence.

 Conclusion: Meteorological conditions play a key role in the occurrence and spread of fires in the area of the municipality of Aleksinac, while the frequent fires in October and March are a consequence of increased agricultural activity. Non-irrigated arable land has the highest risk of open-area fires.