Optimizing the spatial planning of prescribed burns to achieve multiple objectives in a fire-dependent ecosystem.

1. There is potential for negative consequences for the ecological integrity of fire-dependent ecosystems as a result of inappropriate fire regimes. This can occur when asset (property) protection is prioritised over conservation objectives in burn programs.
2. Optimisation of fire management for multiple objectives is rarely undertaken. Here, we use integer linear programming to identify burn scheduling solutions that will cost-effectively achieve asset protection and conservation objectives.
3. An approach to burn scheduling that favours a risk-averse asset protection strategy results in poor conservation outcomes. Conversely, a conservation-focused approach achieves only modest asset protection benefits. However, when formulated as a multi-objective problem, good conservation outcomes can be realised with only a small reduction in potential benefits for asset protection.
4. A conservation-focused approach resulted in substantially more heterogeneity in burns at multiple spatial s...