The roles of network analyses in optimizing the number and locations of fire brigade posts in mitigating peatfires

Abstract

Quick responses in managing peatfire disasters in Indonesia are one key success in mitigating and controlling the risk of peatfire disasters. The aim of this study was to simulate and identify the optimum numbers and locations of fire brigade posts for improving their response times in mitigating peatfire events in Bengkalis Island, Riau, Indonesia. Network analyses were applied in the case of peatfire events on this island. The results of this study may assist local governments and fire brigade teams in developing a strategy to manage peatfires systematically. Hence, the results may contribute to the body of knowledge as a reference in systematically controlling peatfire disasters elsewhere in the world. This study proposed five steps in the identification of appropriate locations of fire brigade posts and performs two main steps to achieve this objective: (i) evaluating existing fire brigade posts' service coverages; and (ii) developing three scenarios for simulating additions of one, two, and three posts. The results of this study improve fire brigade dispatch time performances as well as expand their service coverage areas from 40.7% to 62.4% within 60 minutes of dispatch time.