The Western Fire Chiefs Association Fire Map shows near real-time wildfire activity across the western United States and Alaska. The tool relies on satellite detections and artificial intelligence systems to provide comprehensive tracking data for active blazes.
Fires are initially detected by satellites utilizing NASA FIRMS—specifically VIIRS, MODIS, and Landsat—alongside NOAA’s GOES geostationary satellites. These detections are then confirmed by Satellites on Fire, an AI system that verifies wildfire readings from those satellite sources. The National Weather Service and NOAA's Storm Prediction Center supply fire-weather forecasts and warnings, including Red Flag Warnings and outlooks.
Mapping Layers and Live Data Features
Users viewing the platform can access a variety of toggleable, color-coded layers that provide detailed operational context for monitored events:
- Active incidents and perimeters featuring official IRWIN incident records and federal FEDS perimeters, complete with containment status and growth tracking.
- Live 911 dispatch calls covering medical, fire, and other emergencies via PulsePoint.
- Multi-satellite heat detection that combines polar-orbiting thermal sensors with geostationary sensors offering a 5-minute refresh rate, alongside higher-resolution AI-confirmed detections.
- Short-range forecasts and observations for smoke and lightning.
- Early perimeter and 3-hour spread forecasts for California fires through FIRIS.
- Live firefighting aircraft tracking for tankers, helicopters, and reconnaissance units, which are filtered to a maintained allowlist of wildfire-tasked tail numbers.
- Live fire camera networks from partners including ALERTCalifornia and ALERTWest.
- Environmental fire-weather context detailing humidity, wind, Red Flag warnings, and Storm Prediction Center outlooks.
- Visual confirmation tools using satellite imagery like VIIRS Fire Bands composites and GOES GeoColor true-color.
View Incident Details Through Deep Links
Every layer on the interface links directly to incident detail panels containing live conditions, dispatch information, and growth history. Deep links allow users to share or bookmark specific viewports, states, or fires so that the map opens directly to the saved view.
The platform explicitly notes that location and fire dispatch data are approximate. No representation or warranty is provided regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the displayed data.
