Associating Spatiotemporal Wildfire Patterns with Ecoregion-Specific Drivers and Impacts in Sumatra

Abstract

Wildfire is increasingly recognized as a critical environmental threat with characteristics that vary across different ecoregions, yet remains underrepresented in both research and mitigation policy. Therefore, this study examines wildfire distribution, controlling mechanisms, and ecological impacts across six ecoregions in Sumatra Island, Indonesia using spatiotemporal analysis approach. Fire hotspot data from 2015–2024 was overlaid with ecoregion boundaries to produce distribution maps and intensity ratios. Literature review was then conducted to explain the observed patterns and assess ecoregion-specific impacts. Results show that 43,367 fire hotspots were detected across the study period. Peat swamp forest (PSF) accounts for 66.23% of all occurrences and sets the highest intensity ratio, followed by freshwater swamp forest (FWF). Seasonal analysis reveals strong fire peak between July—October, coincides with drought season. Two-tier controlling factors were identified. Biophysical conditions set baseline vulnerability, while anthropogenic pressures determine the realization of the actual fire events. Impact profiles diverge across ecoregions, where PSF poses the most severe carbon emission risks, while lowland rain forest (LRF) faces the greatest biodiversity threats. These findings underscore the inadequacy of uniform wildfire management approaches and provide an empirical basis for ecoregion-differentiated mitigation strategies in fire-prone tropical landscapes.