Forest Fire Monitoring
Forest fire can be classified according to its causes (natural or caused by humans) and based on which part of the forest it burns in: ground, surface, or crown. It can rage below the leaves, on the forest surface up to 1.3 meters (4 feet) high, or even in the very tops of the trees. The higher it burns, the faster it spreads and the more damage it creates. Success of mitigating forest fire risks greatly depends on the amount of available information and speed of decision-making. You can use the new EOSDA software based on NASA FIRMS data to monitor forest fire in near real-time within your area of interest. Make your contribution to protecting the planet from wildfires and stopping rapid climate change.
Forest Fire Aftermath in Numbers
75%
10-20%
~550K
>10.3M
19M
340K
How a Forest Fire Starts
Human Negligence
Humans can cause a forest fire in a number of ways. Unattended campfires, smouldering matches dropped on the ground, and amateur fireworks are among the most common causes. However, under the right weather conditions, driving a car with a flat tire, overheating of car or train brakes, shooting guns, and burning debris can lead to a devastating forest fire. In some cases, spontaneous combustion occurs in compost piles and hay bales, while damaged or downed power lines are a serious fire hazard comparable to lightning strike. Most of these situations can be avoided if proper precautions are taken. The new EOSDA forest monitoring tool can help mitigate forest fire risks.Naturally Occurring Forest Fire
Lightning is the most common natural cause of a forest fire. Other typical causes include volcanic eruptions, meteor impacts, and spontaneous combustion. Prolonged droughts and dry weather overall convert green vegetation into forest fire fuel, with a single spark being enough to set everything ablaze. Access historical data on temperatures available since 2019 on the new EOSDA forest monitoring tool, discover unseen temperature trends, and prevent wildfires from causing too much damage.Aftermath of Forest Fire
Forest fire impact on ecosystem
Although forest fire is one of natural processes that can actually benefit forest health, it can also be a devastating event. Habitats get destroyed and forest fire pollution is a major concern, while the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere contributes to global warming. Burned landscape is more susceptible to further burning in the future. Repeated burning of the same area in rainforests may lead to significant decrease in biodiversity and soil degradation.
Economic Footprint of Forest Fire
Forest fire affects economies in many different ways. Fire suppression costs alone can put a significant strain on local budgets, requiring expensive equipment, such as airplanes, helicopters, fire trucks, and water tenders. Regardless of the efforts of forest fire fighters, however, wildfires can destroy property and disrupt communications on a massive scale. Restoration of roads, power, and water supply can come with a considerable price tag. Healthcare expenses are yet another concern, while in some cases, biological habitat restoration is needed. Combined with loss of timber affecting forest owners, temporary housing costs, unemployment, and tourism decline in the affected area, the overall economic impact of forest fires can be enormous. The new EOSDA software for forest monitoring based on NASA FIRMS data can greatly reduce the time of response to wildfires and, as a result, avoid costly forest fire aftermath.