A real-time end-to-end satellite-based forest fire detection system for Sweden

Key Learnings

• High-quality data is a prerequisite: The municipal fire and rescue services can use the tool if they have the required knowledge and confidence. Trust in the service, reliable data represented by good geolocation accuracy and a low false-alarm ratio are prerequisites for its application. Post-processing helps reduce false alarms for early fire detection and increases the trust in the service.
• User engagement and communication: Engage end-users from the beginning and honestly communicate capabilities and limitations. It is necessary to establish good communication between developers and end users.

Summary

The real-time end-to-end forest fire detection system is an effective tool to complement human fire observations and has proven more cost-effective than aeroplane detection in Sweden. High-quality data and early user engagement are prerequisites for effective tool applications. To ensure timely action, the system also sends an SOS message to the municipal fire and rescue services via an automated notification system.

Contact

Adam Dybbroe, SMHI adam [dot] dybbroesmhi [dot] se (adam[dot]dybbroe[at]smhi[dot]se)

Stefan Andersson, MSB Stefan [dot] Anderssonmsb [dot] se (Stefan[dot]Andersson[at]msb[dot]se)