Cooperative Observations from Multiple Altitudes Can Yield Needed Operational Support and Advances in Wildland Fire Science.

A new Geo-stationary satellite optimized for tactical and strategic decision support has been design by our group based at UC Berkeley. The satellite is dubbed FUEGO (Fire Urgency Estimator on Geo-stationary Orbit). Our group currently operate an ML-based early fire detection system (FUEGO Map) using ground cameras that serves agencies and entities in the western US. Satellites add significantly to our fire detection and tracking capabilities. This has pointed us to the need for a system of systems that persistently integrates delivers real-time intelligence that is without temporal gaps, is of resolution sufficient for tactical as well as strategic decision making. Intelligence needs vary considerable across the different levels of fire organizations. The multi-altitude system that we plan is necessary to synthesize the full range of needed intelligence products. A system is in place that in real-time can deliver appropriate data to firefighters on the line as well as analysts and strategists in an agency’s headquarters.

We plan to cooperate with constellations of LEO satellites and aircraft to provide a flow of persistent intelligence to all levels of fire organizations. The persistent and multi-resolution data will provide understanding of fire behavior that heretofore was unavailable. We seek cooperation, particularly from groups considering launch of LEO Constellations.