Preparedness for forest fires increases the likelihood that they can be controlled should they occur and hence reduces damage. To do this, the risk of fire across large areas at any time needs to be known but this is too big a task to be performed in situ.

Satellite data is used to produce daily fire danger maps based on information such as land cover, fuel conditions and dryness as well as predicted weather conditions so that fire prevention measures can be applied where and when required.

Highlights

• Wildfire risk ratings improve preparedness when fires do occur.

• Fire danger maps are produced daily based on satellite data.

• They use data such as land cover, fuel conditions and dryness combined with weather data predictions. 

As well as being able to monitor the risks of wildfire, satellite data can also assess the extent of damage after fire. Read this case study to learn how.