Trends and spatial-temporal dynamics in landscape features’ relationship with fires show pressure on Indigenous territories in the Amazon

Abstract The frequency and intensity of fires in the Amazon have become increasingly critical issues, particularly concerning Indigenous Territories. This study focuses on Rondônia, Brazil, a region experiencing several land-use conflicts and significant fire activity with complex spatial and temporal patterns. Fire dynamics and their association with landscape characteristics and deforestation age were examined using trend analysis in time series data and spatial autocorrelation methods. Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope analysis provided insights into various fire-related trends. Sen’s slope results are − 36.52 m ( p < 0.05) for the mean distance between fires and Indigenous territories, + 69.06 m ( p < 0.05) for the mean distance between fires and roads, + 91.67 m ( p < 0.05) for the mean distance between fires and urban areas. Spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed significant clustering of fire activity near protected areas in the north and south regions, with high-high clusters showing concentrated fire activity and low-high clusters suggesting potential barriers to fire spread. These findings underscore the vulnerability of Indigenous territories to fire threats and emphasize the need for targeted fire management strategies.