How University of Utah Professors Are Revolutionizing Firefighting with NASA’s Real-Time Data Technology

SALT LAKE CITY — Fires are tearing through thousands of acres in Utah, threatening homes and land. With wildfire prevention crucial now, a research team at the University of Utah is on the case.

NASA’s FireSense Program is leading the charge. It uses advanced tools like satellites, drones, and artificial intelligence to keep tabs on wildfires and weather patterns that help them spread. “FireSense aims to translate NASA satellite data into actionable insights for firefighters,” said Professor Phil Dennison from the University of Utah.

His goal is to cut down firefighters’ response times. “As a NASA sensor flies over, it gathers data that’s quickly processed by a server,” Dennison explained. Within just three to five minutes, firefighters can see new fires and reposition resources to tackle them swiftly.

“This technology allowed teams to act faster, containing fires much sooner than ever before,” Dennison noted. While still experimental, he hopes to deliver real-time information directly to firefighters in the next two to three years.

The program offers tools for mapping fuel sources, active fires, and assessing burn areas and intensity. Meanwhile, Professor Derek Mallia is utilizing NASA’s technology to study weather patterns affected by wildfires.

“Wildfires can trigger storms called pyrocumulonimbus clouds (pyrocb), which produce lightning. This lightning can ignite new fires,” Mallia said. “Also, gusty winds from these storms can make fires spread uncontrollably, putting firefighters in danger.” Thankfully, new forecasting models can predict these pyrocb formations up to four days in advance, giving fire managers crucial warnings.

“Being aware of these patterns is vital,” Mallia emphasized.

The FireSense Program relies on grants that are highly competitive. If federal funding were to run out, these innovative technologies might be paused, increasing risks for firefighters. Fortunately, the University of Utah has locked in funding for the next five years.

In recent years, wildfires have become more frequent and intense. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the U.S. saw an increase in wildfires, with over 58,000 fires reported in 2020 alone. This surge highlights the need for improved fire management strategies, making the work of teams like FireSense ever more important.

Using technology to predict fire behavior and weather developments could revolutionize how we respond to such disasters, ultimately saving lives and property.

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