Global warming, increasing population, and parched soils are escalating the frequency and intensity of forest fires. Global warming raises temperatures and extends droughts, making forests more susceptible to fires. A growing population pressures forest areas for settlement and agriculture, increasing fire risk. Dry soils and vegetation ignite easily, accelerating fire spread. After fires, damage assessment and reforestation are crucial. This study examines the impact of the July 18, 2023, forest fire on Rhodes Island's vegetation. Using spectral analyses of Landsat 8 images, the fire's damage to vegetation was assessed. The NBR (Normalized Burn Ratio) index determined pre- and post-fire vegetation changes. The burned area was calculated using dNDVI and dNBR. While dNDVI measures vegetation health, dNBR detects burned areas before and after a fire. The burned area was 16.037 ha using dNDVI and 17.678 ha using dNBR, showing consistent results. The burned area signals significant ecological consequences like habitat loss, negative impacts on biodiversity, and increased soil erosion. These analyses are essential for planning ecosystem recovery and developing appropriate restoration strategies after a fire.
