Abstract
<jats:p>In the last decade, forest fires have intensified in several areas of Ecuador, particularly in the province of Imbabura, causing harm in the biodiversity, rural communities, and ecological processes. Understanding this problem is an immediate need to guide strategies for sustainable forest management, risk mitigation, and ecological restoration. In this context, the book "Forest Fires Analysis: Impacted Areas in Imbabura (2013–2022)" comes up as an academic and technical contribution that seeks to fortify knowledge about forest fires from a territorial, ecosystemic, and preventative perspective. The work is structured in six chapters that approaches essential aspects in order to understand the dynamics of forest fires in Ecuador with emphasis in Imbabura: One. Importance of the management and protection of forest resources; it introduces ecological, social, and economic value of forest ecosystems and highlights the main environmental services that they provide. This problem is contextualized as a threat which is a result from anthropogenic pressures. Two. Causes and typologies of forest fires. The natural and human causes of wildfires are analyzed, as well as their classification according to the fire's location and the type of vegetation affected. Three. Environmental, economic, and social consequences of wildfires; this section approaches direct and indirect impacts of wildfires on biodiversity, soil structure, hydrological cycles, the local economy, and the health of rural populations. Also, it is consider medium- and long-term implications for socio-ecological resilience. Four. Fire behavior and affecting factors; the physical principles of fire behavior are explained, considering factors such as fuel type and availability, weather conditions, topography, and propagation mechanisms. An analysis of fire behavior prediction models is included. Five. Wildfire prevention; integrated prevention strategies are presented, including community actions, legal regulations, environmental education, early monitoring using geospatial technologies, and the use of tools for fire detection and control. Six. Forest Fire Statistics in Ecuador (2013–2022): Space -Temporal Analysis and Reference to Imbabura Case: Through the analysis of official data and georeferenced records, a summary of the incidence of fires at the national level is presented. A detailed analysis of the province of Imbabura is conducted, identifying critical parishes, recurrence trends, and priority areas for intervention.</jats:p>