A comprehensive bibliometric review of forest fires in Iran

Abstract

Forest fires in Iran present a significant environmental concern, impacting diverse ecosystems, human societies, and the economy. Encompassing approximately 7% of the country's landmass, Iran's forests are vital for maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, regulating hydrological cycles, and providing essential resources to local communities. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review to elucidate key trends and patterns within the scholarly discourse on forest fires in Iran, focusing on the temporal distribution of articles, prominent authors, top journals, highly cited articles, and the geographical distribution of research efforts. Additionally, the study seeks to map prominent keywords and topics, understand the temporal evolution of research directions, and examine the impacts of forest fires, including hydro-ecological effects, soil properties, and socio-economic consequences. The analysis reveals a significant rise in scholarly interest in forest fires in Iran over the past two decades, with a notable increase in publications from the 2010s onward. Thematic analysis shows that fire risk prediction and modeling are primary research focuses, with methodologies including GIS, remote sensing, statistical modeling, and machine learning algorithms advancing fire risk assessment and management strategies. Forest fires significantly impact hydro-ecological systems, altering vegetation dynamics, soil properties, and hydrological processes. Immediate effects include reductions in vegetation cover, soil compaction, increased runoff, and erosion, with long-term implications for ecosystem health and resilience. Climatic variables such as temperature, humidity, and wind patterns are critical drivers of fire behavior and risk, further exacerbated by climate change. The socio-economic dimensions of forest fires, although underrepresented in the literature, highlight significant economic losses, disruption of livelihoods, and community displacement. Effective fire management requires integrating community participation, robust policy frameworks, and advanced management strategies. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the dynamics, drivers, and implications of forest fires in Iran, informing future research, policy interventions, and management strategies.