About
WIFIRE Firemap is a sophisticated geospatial tool designed for wildfire monitoring, simulation, and decision support. Built by WIFIRE at UC San Diego's San Diego Supercomputer Center, it is primarily aimed at fire agencies and fire behavior researchers who need accurate, real-time situational awareness during wildfire events. The platform allows users to simulate fire spread based on real-time and forecast weather inputs including wind speed, wind direction, temperature, and relative humidity. It supports ensemble modeling for probabilistic fire behavior predictions, helping agencies assess multiple possible fire trajectories simultaneously. Flame length and rate-of-spread outputs can be exported as GeoTIFF, KML, or Shapefile formats for integration with GIS workflows. Firemap incorporates live weather station data, edge sensors, and air quality monitoring, as well as satellite feeds from NASA GIBS and GOES GeoColor. Historical fire perimeters covering California from 1878 to 2024 and the United States from 2006 to 2024 are available for reference and analysis. Users can set custom ignition points, modify surface fuels, define fire perimeters, and run Extended Attack weather forecasts. Camera integration, population exposure queries, and screen capture tools round out the feature set. Access to full modeling capabilities requires registration and is restricted to fire agencies and researchers. The tool is free to use and supported by donations.
Key Features
- Fire Spread Simulation: Model fire spread using real-time weather inputs including wind speed, direction, temperature, and relative humidity, with outputs for flame length and rate of spread.
- Ensemble Modeling: Run probabilistic fire behavior ensembles to visualize multiple possible fire trajectories simultaneously, supporting better risk assessment decisions.
- Live Weather & Sensor Data: Integrates live weather stations, edge sensors, and air quality monitoring to provide up-to-date environmental conditions for accurate simulations.
- Satellite Imagery Integration: Streams NASA GIBS and GOES GeoColor satellite feeds with approximately 6-hour update cycles and official fire perimeter overlays updated daily for active fires.
- GIS Export Tools: Export fire perimeters as KML or Shapefile and spread rate or flame length data as GeoTIFF for integration into external GIS and emergency management systems.
Use Cases
- Fire agencies using real-time weather and satellite data to monitor active wildfire spread and make evacuation or resource deployment decisions.
- Fire behavior researchers running ensemble simulations to study how varying weather conditions affect fire trajectories in different terrain and fuel types.
- Emergency management planners analyzing historical fire perimeters to assess risk zones and develop community wildfire protection plans.
- Incident commanders using Extended Attack weather forecasts and rate-of-spread models to plan containment strategies during long-duration fires.
- GIS analysts exporting fire perimeter and behavior data as KML, Shapefile, or GeoTIFF for integration into regional emergency response mapping systems.
Pros
- Free for fire agencies and researchers: The platform is freely available to its target audience, making powerful fire behavior modeling accessible without licensing costs.
- Rich historical fire data: Access to California fire perimeters dating back to 1878 and US-wide data from 2006 provides valuable context for historical analysis and planning.
- Comprehensive data integration: Combines live weather sensors, satellite imagery, camera feeds, and ensemble models in a single web interface for holistic situational awareness.
Cons
- Restricted access: Full modeling capabilities require registration and are limited to fire agencies and researchers — general public users have limited functionality.
- Satellite data latency: Satellite imagery is updated approximately every 6 hours and official fire perimeters once per day, which may be insufficient for rapidly evolving fire situations.
- Steep learning curve: The platform's advanced modeling options, ensemble controls, and GIS export features require domain expertise and training to use effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use WIFIRE Firemap?
Firemap is designed for fire agencies and fire behavior researchers. Accounts are restricted to these groups; individuals not affiliated with a fire agency may not be contacted or approved.
Is Firemap free to use?
Yes, Firemap is free. The platform accepts donations to support its continued development and operation.
How current is the satellite data on Firemap?
Satellite imagery is updated approximately every 6 hours, and official fire perimeters for active fires are typically updated once per day.
What file formats can I export from Firemap?
You can export fire perimeters as KML or Shapefile, and fire behavior outputs such as spread rate and flame length as GeoTIFF files.
What historical fire data is available?
Firemap includes historical fire perimeters for California from 1878 to 2024 and for the United States from 2006 to 2024.
