Prediction and Prevention of Wildfires
NASA has two different types of satellite systems to help track wildfires : polar orbiters and geostationary platforms . Polar orbiters like NASA ' s Terra and Aqua satellites and NASA-NOAA ' s Suomi NPP satellite provide detailed views of fires and smoke globally up to twice a day .
2.2 NOAA ’ S CLIMATE PREDICTION
NOAA ’ s Climate Prediction Center offers a range of subseasonal and seasonal forecasts and longlead outlooks that preview temperature and precipitation trends . These can establish conditions conducive for enhanced fire risk .
Air patrols , consisting of a pilot and trained aerial observers , fly predetermined routes over remote areas during periods of high fire danger , or following lightning activity . Commercial and recreational pilots also report wildfires .
The Government agencies use both ground personnel and aircraft with thermal imaging technology to assist in fire operations . Thermal imaging can be utilized for detecting hot pot and areas of residual fire on larger fires during mop up , boundary establishment , fire mapping and fire progression .
One way fires are detected is by lookout Towers . These are situated at a location with extensive visibility and have associated structures manned by a lookout observer whose prime purpose is to locate and report wildfires . This is the conventional way .
April 2023