Use of Real-Time Multisatellite and Radar Data to Support Forest Fire Management

Combined digital data from multiple satellites and Doppler radar can provide fire weather meteorologists and resource managers with accurate information on forest fire location, intensity, growth, smoke plumes, and associated mesoscale weather. An integrated application using real-time satellite and radar is described for the Miller’s Reach forest fire that occurred in south-central Alaska in June 1996. Generated data and products were made available immediately on-scene via point-to-point high-speed portable satellite communications. This fire consumed over 15 000 ha and destroyed 344 structures.