A nice press release about our new paper on the concepts behind a fire detection satellite with perhaps the coolest acronym yet: FUEGO — Fire Urgency Estimator in Geosynchronous Orbit. From Bob Sanders.

Artist's conception of the FUEGO satellite

Current and planned wildfire detection systems are impressive but lack both sensitivity and rapid response times. A small telescope with modern detectors and significant computing capacity in geosynchronous orbit can detect small (12 m²) fires on the surface of the earth, cover most of the western United States (under conditions of moderately clear skies) every few minutes or so, and attain very good signal-to-noise ratio against Poisson fluctuations in a second. Hence, these favorable statistical significances have initiated a study of how such a satellite could operate and reject the large number of expected systematic false alarms from a number of sources. We suggest a number of algorithms that can help reduce false alarms, and show efficacy on a few. Early detection and response would be of true value in the United States and other nations, as wildland fires continue to severely stress resource managers, policy makers, and the public, particularly in the western US. Here, we propose the framework for a geosynchronous satellite with modern imaging detectors, software, and algorithms able to detect heat from early and small fires, and yield minute-scale detection times. Open Access Journal Link. Press Release. KPIX spot.

American fire as of 8-25-13.Fire Status from Incident Report: The south, west and north perimeters of the fire remain in patrol status. This is due to completion of fire lines and minimal to no hot spots being detected inside the fire line in these areas. Crews have spent the past several days conducting burning operations adjacent to the Mosquito Ridge Road, along the eastern perimeter. These burning operations have consisted of fire fighters lighting low intensity (“cool”) fire with the intent of reducing ground fuels between the fire perimeter and the main fire. This tactic has been highly successful as it reduces the potential of the main fire escaping containment lines, and reduces the potential for spot fires to escape containment lines. Crews will continue these burning operations through the night. When burning operations are completed, these same crews will follow the burning operations by detecting and extinguishing any remaining hot spots.

American fire as of 8-25-13 from ESRI online. With increased containment of the fire, additional fire crews have begun work repairing areas affected by fire fighting activities. This has included chipping material piled next to roads during fire line construction as well as identifying needs to construct water control devices along fire lines throughout the fire area.

Forest visitors are asked to adhere to area and road closures. These closures are in place to protect visitors and fire fighters. The roads and areas that have been closed are unsafe due to fire-weakened, burned trees that pose a risk of falling, as well as frequently heavy smoke making visibility extremely poor. These areas and roads will be re-opened as soon as possible.

Some resources:

• Incident Report: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3624/
• SimTable Report: http://apps.simtable.com/fireProgression/outputTemp/CA-TNF-HU11_%20american.html
• ESRI Online report: http://www.arcgis.com/explorer/?open=11487c248b3a407cb6fd446ce8ef73d8

We will keep you posted.

For more on the SNAMP project see: http://snamp.cnr.berkeley.edu/

This was originally posted on http://kellylab.berkeley.edu/.

 

As of 8-22-13 - American fire moves into treatment area.Fire Status from Incident Report: Crews continued to mop up on the west and north sides ofthe fire to prevent any fire from potential hotspots from crossing established containment lines. This area will be patrolled by airresources today. Last night fire crews continued to hold and improvecontainment lines on the north-east and east sides of the fire. Aggressive fire suppression efforts have stopped fire movement southto south-west along the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the AmericanRiver. Efforts to contain the fire along the more difficult steep andhazardous terrain on the south and south-east perimeters has been verysuccessful and that area will now be patrolled for hotspots. Strongwinds produced hotspots outside the line on the north-east corneryesterday. Infra-red equipment detected these and were quicklyextinguished by crews. Crews will begin repairing areas damaged by firefighting activity. The fire is established in Antoine, Manilla and Scewrauger Canyons andbelow the Barny Cavanah Ridge. Consumption of heavy fuels willcontinue to contribute to smoke in surrounding areas.

Some resources:

• Incident Report: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3624/
• SimTable Report: http://apps.simtable.com/fireProgression/outputTemp/CA-TNF-HU11_%20american.html
• ESRI Online report: http://www.arcgis.com/explorer/?open=11487c248b3a407cb6fd446ce8ef73d8

We will keep you posted.

For more on the SNAMP project see: http://snamp.cnr.berkeley.edu/

This was originally posted on http://kellylab.berkeley.edu/.

 

The American fire is burning into our SNAMP study areas as of yesterday. Here is a snapshot of our study site and the fire perimeter (red) as of yesterday. SNAMP control (yellow) and treatment (purple) watersheds are shown.

The American Fire burning in heavy fuels on extreme slopes about 10 air miles northeast of the community of Foresthill, California, and eight air miles south of Interstate 80 has grown to 14,765 acres.

Some resources:

Incident Report: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3624/

We will keep you posted.

For more on the SNAMP project see: http://snamp.cnr.berkeley.edu/

This was originally posted on http://kellylab.berkeley.edu/.