Geographical Information System (GIS)
Maps play a key part in fighting wildfires. A firefighter will need to answer key questions, such as: How fast is it spreading? What vegetation is burning? What are the risks that are posed to the community and firefighters?
The geographical information system (GIS) allows users the ability to present data in a way that makes it easier to comprehend directly on a map, as opposed to reading grid coordinates from data sheets. GIS can point out what buildings or houses may be threatened by an upcoming fire. It can help the planning in building location and, even in this case, planning out attack methods during wildland firefighting.
GIS Use in Wildland Fires
It is no secret that the United States has its fair share of wildland fires each and every year. Today, with the incredible amounts of acreage burnt, GIS is playing a bigger role than ever.
GIS helps responders track events more closely, which can give researchers the ability to see exactly what is happening or what has happened. Researchers are also able to analyze the data and be in constant contact with firefighters via radio on the ground and give them up to date conditions of what they are seeing on computer models.
GIS systems are also playing a larger role for firefighters in other ways. For example, the ability to map out specific hydrant locations — so that on-scene personnel can stage resources and establish water sources — can help firefighters remain one step ahead of any wildland fire.
Vital Damage Assessments After Wildfires Using GIS
In the event of any natural disaster, even a little extra warning can make a big difference. With recent fires spreading throughout California, mobile teams are able to [link url=”http://www.emergencymgmt.com/disaster/The-Role-of-GIS-in-the-Aftermath-of-a-Wildfire.html” title=”set up a mobile command post”] to begin documenting the damage. Firefighting teams on-scene have the ability to collect data and easily share the information on the operations dashboard of all screens in the command post.
Why GIS?
Simply put, the firefighting community needs GIS.
It makes processing information much more simple and clear. With GIS, multiple safety concerns can be addressed, including the ability to better understand terrain slope and to better predict the way a fire may spread based upon the vegetation that is present in the current area.
Wildland firefighters — often referred to as “hotshots” — are relying on every bit of information that possibly can get. Having GIS in hand can give firefighters firsthand knowledge of exactly what type of terrain they are up against. GIS gives the firefighter a solid indicator on which vegetation they should be digging breaks into or even using their drip torches to burn the vegetation before the head of the fire can reach it.
One of the scariest things for a hotshot firefighter is being kept in the dark or having very little information. With GIS, they don’t have to worry so much about that anymore, because they are in constant contact with researchers and on-scene commanders that are able to relay vital information for those fighting the fire.
[link url=”https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/” title=”Be Safe.”]
Comments are closed.