EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF FIREBREAKS IN FOREST FIRE MITIGATION: A REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov16n4-086Keywords:
Fire Prevention, Containment Structures, Vegetative Barriers, Ecosystem ServicesAbstract
Wildfires represent a growing global threat, intensified by anthropogenic actions and climate change. In this context, firebreaks have emerged as relevant strategies for fire prevention and management, functioning as physical barriers capable of interrupting or reducing fire spread. This study conducted a systematic review, following the PRISMA methodology, of scientific articles published up to December 2024, aiming to identify the characteristics, effectiveness, and ecological and environmental impacts associated with the implementation of firebreaks under real fire conditions. The analysis revealed two main types: conventional firebreaks and green firebreaks. Traditional firebreaks involve the partial or complete removal of surface vegetation to reduce fuel loads and are effective under low-intensity fire scenarios and favorable weather conditions. However, they require ongoing maintenance and may exacerbate soil degradation processes, such as erosion and the proliferation of invasive species. Green firebreaks, in contrast, are composed of plant species with low flammability, high moisture content, and ecological plasticity, arranged in multistructural formations that limit fire spread both horizontally and vertically. Given the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, understanding the ecological implications and functional efficiency of each firebreak type is essential to guide decisions regarding their implementation across diverse socio-environmental contexts, contributing to more sustainable and territorially adapted fire prevention strategies.
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