Identifying road-related factors in wildfire risk management: The case of South Korea

Most wildfires are caused by human activities. Road networks play a dual role in wildfire dynamics, functioning either as potential ignition sources or as essential channels for suppression. This study focuses on roads as the link between human activity and the wildfire life cycle, identifying functional road elements and exploring design strategies for wildfire management. A literature review identified the relationship between roads and wildfires, and these insights were aligned with design elements through feature extraction from common geographical and infrastructural characteristics of affected areas. A qualitative and quantitative database was constructed for 225 wildfires in Korea from 2013 to 2022, each covering 2.5 ha or more. Cross-tabulation analysis demonstrated that wider roads have a mitigating effect on wildfire occurrence. Feature importance was further examined through Random Forest and Extra Trees regression, which identified significant variables associated with wildfire ignition. Based on the findings, several policy strategies were proposed. The results suggest that integrating road design elements into planning and upgrades can strengthen both wildfire prevention and suppression capacities. Moreover, the study highlights the need for greater policy attention to road infrastructure, given its substantial influence across the wildfire life cycle.