Key Insights from WP4: Forest Fire Danger Monitoring

Overview of WP4

  1. WP4 primarily focuses on utilizing new satellite observations from MTG (Meteosat Third Generation) to enhance preparedness and response to forest fires. This initiative is part of a collaboration among multiple organizations including NILU, MF (Meteo-France), IPMA, INRAE, and AUTH.

    Objectives

    The main objectives of WP4 are to improve forest fire monitoring and reporting through advanced satellite data usage, particularly through:

    • Demonstrating effective methods for wildfire preparedness.

    • Developing and utilizing fire danger indices to assess and monitor fire risks in different regions.

    Key Components of WP4

    • Data Sources: WP4 relies on various data inputs such as:

      • Fire Radiative Power (FRP) products from MTG and other satellite data.

      • Land cover data from Sentinel-3 and other sources.

      • Biophysical parameters like Leaf Area Index and soil moisture to assess fire risks.

    • Technological Development:

      • Implementing dynamic bias corrections and using assimilation methods for improving prediction models.

      • Developing algorithms for processing satellite observations, which contribute to a more accurate assessment of wildfire risks.

    Tasks Overview

    1. Task 4.1 (GFAS): Led by NILU, focusing on integrating FRP products from satellites to enhance fire monitoring services. Deliverables include high-quality FRP data products and their applications in near-real-time services.

  2. Task 4.2 (SURFEX): Overseen by MF and involves analyzing forest biomass and fire danger indicators through satellite data assimilation.

  3. Task 4.3 (FIRELIHOOD): Led by INRAE and aimed at developing applications for fire risk assessment, particularly in France and Greece, utilizing spatio-temporal models to predict fire behavior.

Use Cases

  • France: Testing of fire danger applications through collaboration with the French forestry service and local fire services.

  • Greece: Assessment of fire risk in regions prone to wildfires, integrating historical fire data for prediction and management improvements.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies in both France and Greece, is essential for effective knowledge sharing and application of techniques developed under WP4.