An analytical review on the most widely used meteorological models in forest fire prediction

At the beginning of 20
^th
century, scientists started to develop mathematical models in order to predict the probability of occurrence of forest fires. Meteorological parameters, such as daily temperature and humidity, were mainly used. In this paper, we review the seven most usable fire prediction indices in the world, that are Angstrom, Keetch-Byram, Modified Keetch-Byram, Canadian fire weather index, Nesterov, Modified Netserov, and Baumgartner Index. A comparative study including the mathematical equations, properties, characteristics, performance and field of application of each model is presented. The different developed models were optimized to the local characteristics of the place of study. The problematic of suitability and compliance of indices in other regions with different conditions is discussed. Recent initiatives are finally presented.