Mapping Tools for Wilderness Firefighters: Enhancing Safety and Escape Planning
Terrain Assessment and Escape Route Planning
Wildland firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession, and as climate change intensifies wildfires, firefighters are turning to technology to improve their safety. One promising tool is LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which uses lasers to create detailed maps of terrain.
Researchers have found that LIDAR data can be used to assess the fastest possible escape routes, based on factors such as slope, vegetation density, and ground surface roughness. By plugging these factors into an algorithm, firefighters can quickly identify the most efficient path out of a wildfire zone.
LIDAR Technology in Action
In a study conducted by researchers at the U.S. Forest Service and the University of Utah, volunteers walked along paths with varying slopes, vegetation densities, and ground surface roughness. The researchers used LIDAR maps to calculate the effect of each factor on travel speed.
They found that slope had the most significant impact, followed by vegetation density and ground surface roughness. Vegetation taller than 2 meters (above head height) obstructed travel less, while vegetation shorter than 15 centimeters had negligible effect.
Overcoming Limitations
While LIDAR technology has great potential for improving firefighter safety, there are still some limitations to consider. LIDAR maps are not yet available for all areas, and they can be time-consuming to process. Additionally, the technique does not account for all factors that can affect travel speed, such as fire behavior and wind speeds.
Integrating Fire Behavior and Wind Speeds
Fire behavior and wind speeds can significantly impact the speed at which firefighters can travel. Researchers are working to incorporate these factors into escape route planning tools. For example, the U.S. Forest Service’s Fire Lab has developed a surface wind-modeling tool called WindNinja, which can provide detailed wind vectors on a cell phone.
The Role of Technology in Firefighter Safety
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving firefighter safety. In addition to mapping tools and wind-modeling systems, researchers are also exploring tracking devices, drones with infrared cameras, and other satellite sensing data to enhance situational awareness and communication.
The Future of Fire Management
The ultimate goal of fire researchers is to achieve zero firefighter fatalities. By leveraging technology to improve escape route planning, provide real-time information about weather and fire behavior, and track individual firefighters, it is possible to create a safer environment for those who risk their lives to protect our communities.
