Tracking Fires
The Western Fire Chiefs Association reported that satellites and AI systems are actively tracking wildfire activity, smoke, and weather risks across the western United States and Alaska. Through the WFCA Fire Map, emergency responders and residents can view near real-time data powered by NASA FIRMS thermal sensors including VIIRS, MODIS, and Landsat, alongside NOAA’s GOES geostationary satellites. These detections receive AI verification from Satellites on Fire to confirm active thermal anomalies and map boundaries.
The platform integrates live information layers to provide a comprehensive look at developing incidents. Users can access official IRWIN incident records alongside federal FEDS perimeters that track growth and containment. The system also pulls live 911 dispatch calls through PulsePoint for medical, fire, and emergency updates, while filtering firefighting aircraft like tankers and helicopters to maintained allowlists of wildfire-tasked tail numbers.
Meteorological Data and Visual Verification Tools Track Fire Risks
The National Weather Service and NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center supply meteorological data to the mapping tool, issuing Red Flag Warnings and fire-weather outlooks for regions facing elevated risks. Wind, humidity, and lightning observations sit alongside short-range spread forecasts generated by FIRIS for California incidents.
Visual verification tools on the map include GOES GeoColor true-color imagery and VIIRS Fire Bands composites. Live fire camera feeds from networks such as ALERTCalifornia, ALERTWest, and partner networks offer visual confirmation of smoke and active flames. The Western Fire Chiefs Association notes that fire dispatch and location data are approximate, and no representation or warranty is given regarding the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the displayed information.
Earlier coverage: WFCA Fire Map Provides Real-Time Wildfire Tracking and Satellite Data
