Izvod: Solar energy has a strong impact on the vegetation and on creating conditions suitable for the occurrence of fire. This study presents a model which allows determination of the intensity of the global solar radiation at the specified location in the certain period of time. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the forests fire risk factors, depending on the topographic elements. The object of the research was the protected natural area of the Nature Park “Golija”, in southwestern Serbia. Since 2001, Golija mountain has been under state protection as the Golija Nature Park, which was placed in category I as a natural resource of great importance for Serbia. Because of the exceptionally well-preserved natural environment, but also because of its cultural resources, the committee of the MAB/UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve Programme set up the Golija – Studenica Biosphere Reserve within the Golija Nature Park. Changes in global radiation were determined using the method PVGIS-CMSAF considering variability dependant on the side of the world and angle of the surface. The analysis was based on the average monthly and annual values of global solar radiation in the study area. The calculations obtained by PVGIS program showed that in the Golija mountain area there is a significant radiation intensity dependant on the orientation and inclination of the surface. For an area with an inclination of 10°, maximum measured radiation was in July, when the surface was oriented towards the south. Annual values of solar radiation on a surface oriented towards the south, are approximately 60,7% higher than the inflow of energy on the surface oriented toward the north. Some practical information and arguments presented in this study can be used by the competent services in the assessment of forests fire risk factors.
       Ključne reči: global solar radiation, Protected natural area of the Nature Park “Golija”, orography, forest fire