Towards a fit-for-purpose fire simulator ecosystem

Background Fire simulators are computer programs that represent the key processes of fire spread, based on mathematical models of the physical processes of combustion and landscape fire propagation. The complexity and pace of change in fire regimes, science and technology pose challenges to the effective development and use of fire simulators. In this review, we address the nature of current fire simulators, their most common uses, and how to judge their performance. Results We find that fire simulators can be classified based on their underlying modeling approach: physical and quasi-physical, empirical and quasi-empirical, and coupled fire-atmosphere models. We find that faithful representation of fire spread and its drivers remains a primary focus and is being addressed through improved input data, spread models, and more robust validation standards. However, evidence suggests that fitness-for-purpose may be a more flexible and effective basis of simulator performance as it is able to incorporate both technical and contextual factors. Conclusions Our findings can be used by fire-prone countries and jurisdictions to support the development of an effective fire simulator “ecosystem” that addresses both technical and contextual issues.