The Method of Forest Fires Recognition by Using Doppler Weather Radar

Forest fires can be detected by CINRAD-SA Doppler Weather Radar. Compared with the large detection range of radar, the echo generated by fires is so small that it can only be recognized by local amplification artificially with difficulty. So a new method of automatic recognition is needed and developed.

Radar echo of forest fires almost shares the same features as clutter echoes, but with velocity abnormal in most cases, and with obvious different echo characteristics from rain, it can be distinguished apart from rain and clutter echoes.

The main process of automatic detection includes noise filtering, difference analysis of vertical continuity of reflectivity, radical velocity analysis, early warnings and displaying components on the occasions of suspicious fire events. When warnings on forest fires are to be issued, artificial confirmations will be needed. Then with the confirmed information, reports associated with the address of geographic coordinate will be submitted to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection through the special network.