Fractal modeling of wildfire spread using environmental parameter fields across Mediterranean landscapes

Background: Wildfire spread modeling is essential for understanding fire behavior and improving mitigation strategies. However, many existing models struggle to capture the irregular and scale-dependent nature of wildfire perimeters. Aims: This study introduces a fractal-based simulation framework for modeling wildfire propagation, integrating terrain and weather-related environmental parameters. Methods: We applied a modified twindragon fractal structure to simulate wildfire spread across GIS-derived maps of slope, aspect, land use, Fire Weather Index (FWI), and wind direction. The model was tested on four recent wildfire events in Mediterranean landscapes. Key results: The simulations reproduced observed wildfire scar shapes with good fidelity, capturing both interior and boundary complexity. The model dynamically responds to spatial variations in environmental conditions and is adapta-ble to different geographic contexts. Conclusions: Fractal geometry provides a viable alternative for simulating wildfire spread, offering a scale-sensitive and flexible modeling approach. Implications: This method may support scenario-based wildfire risk assessments and fuel management planning, and could be extended for real-time forecasting with further development.