Wildfires and Socioeconomic Variables in Galicia, Spain: Panel Data Analysis

We analyzed the influence of variables associated with socioeconomic vulnerability over some factors related to wildfires. We employed panel data techniques in order to capture the dynamics of wildfires and socioeconomic vulnerability over fifteen years (2001–2015) in the municipalities of Galicia, which is the most historically affected region by wildfires in Spain. We used meteorological variables together with socioeconomic variables in order to show the relation with vulnerability aspects. The results show an existing relationship between these variables and the number of wildfires, the burned hectares, and the virulence of forest fires. Socioeconomic factors like aged population and livestock farms or rustic hectares, linked with temperature, humidity, and wind velocity, affect the number of occurrences of wildfires and their destructive capacities. The study raises awareness about all those aspects that cause this kind of disasters in order to reduce risks.