Using Data Analytics to Fight Wildfires

Using Data on the Fire LinePredictive Analytics and the Battle

against Wildfires

By David Silverberg

• Monitoring wildland conditions can aid preparedness for active wildfire seasons• Numerous inputs

– Climate and weather – Fuels– Terrain– History

• Numerous federal, state and local agencies involved in effort

The need for predictive analytics

Multiple Programs• Observation and prediction

– Realtime Observation Monitor and Analysis Network (ROMAN)– Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index (SAWTI)

• Forecasting and modeling– National Predictive Services Program– National Digital Forecast Database– Fire Area Simulator (FARSITE)

• Decisionmaking– Wildland Fire Management Research Development and

Application Program– Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS)

Future capabilities

• Artificial intelligence• Real time intelligence directly to

firefighters• Crowdsourced data• Cloud computing• Better prevention

Ultimate Goals

• More reliable and precise predictions• More precise and timelier

responses• Better use of people and materiel• Safer and more effective firefighting