Leveraging Earth Observation Systems to Improve Wildfire Prevention and Control
Wildfires are escalating in scale and intensity, driven by rising temperatures, extended droughts, and expanding human development near natural landscapes. These fires pose serious threats to lives, property, biodiversity, and air quality, making effective fire management a growing priority across the United States . Traditional monitoring methods alone are no longer sufficient to address the speed and unpredictability of modern wildfires. Earth observation technologies offer a transformative approach to understanding and managing fire risks. By using satellite imagery, aerial data, and remote sensing tools, decision-makers can monitor environmental conditions, detect fires early, and design smarter prevention strategies. This data-driven approach is reshaping how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfires. The Role of Earth Observation in Modern Fire Science Earth observation involves collecting consistent, large-scale data about the Earth’s surface and atmosphe...