Assumptions & limitations for wildfires

The dataset on wildfire susceptibility in the Netherlands comes with several assumptions and limitations:

• The analysis of wildfires between 2017-2020 has been validated. The map correctly predicted 75% of the fires in moderately or highly susceptible areas. However, 25% of the fires occurred in areas with low susceptibility.
• It is recommended to pay extra attention to locations labelled as 'highly susceptible’. Although the classification aids in prioritisation, fires can also occur in 'low susceptibility’ or 'no risk' locations under certain conditions such as sufficient fuel, drought, wind, and ignition. Therefore, these areas also deserve some attention.
• In addition, the map does not say anything about the duration and intensity of a fire. It is therefore not possible to determine wildfire impacts based on the classifications of high to low susceptibility. Rather, it provides a first indication of the locations that are susceptible to the development of a wildfire.
• The map includes all nature reserves and farmlands of the Netherlands, but excludes urban areas and water bodies.