FERIC Wildfire Detection Workshop
March 25 – 27, 2003
Hinton, Alberta
Agenda
Tuesday, March 25
| 13:00-13:10 |
Introduction, Cliff Henderson, Asst. Deputy Minister, Alta. Sustainable Resource Development |
| 13:10-14:00 |
Western Canada summary, 5 speakers – 10 min. each |
| 14:30-14:45 |
Break |
| Towers versus public reporting, James Barnier, Wisconsin DNR |
|
| 17:00-18:00 |
Dinner |
| 19:00-23:00 |
Social evening and displays |
Wednesday, March 26
| Automated smoke detection, Dr. Gavin Hough, Innovation Support Centre, South Africa |
|
| 10:00-10:15 |
Break |
| 10:15-12:00 |
Fire detection systems demonstration using a simulated forest fire. |
| 12:00-13:00 |
Lunch |
| Satellite based detection, Tim Lynham, Canadian Forest Service |
|
| Airborne infrared - US system, Tom Zajkowski, USDA Forest Service |
|
| 15:00-15:15 |
Break |
| 15:15-16:30 |
Panel Discussion, moderator: Gordon Graham, Alberta SRD |
| 17:00-19:00 |
Dinner |
| Intervid demo - night capability, Dr. Gavin Hough, Innovation Support Centre, South Africa |
Thursday, March 27
| 8:30-10:30 |
Airborne infrared sensors - live demonstration at Hinton Airport, David Stonehouse, VERIMAP |
Download Workshop Presentations
Economics of fire detection
The value of an effective fire detection system is well understood by fire managers. Logically, detection of small fires in their early stages gives fire fighters the best chance of success, and saves agencies money. However, laws of diminishing return suggest that trying to detect every fire while it is small may be unfeasible. Economic analyses can help fire managers optimize return on detection investment, including decisions to invest in infrastructure and detection technology.
Presenter: Rob McAlpine, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Rob is currently the Program Leader for Fire Science and Technology in Sault Ste Marie. Prior to that he was the Fire Planning program specialist, and prior to that he spent 11 years with the Canadian Forest Service ending up as project leader of Fire behaviour and Ecology at the Petawawa National Forestry Institute. Rob completed an Hon.B.ScF. at Lakehead University (1983) and a M.SC. in Forest Fire Science at the University of Montana (1988).
Use of Unmanned aircraft for fire detection
The surveillance of critical facilities and national infrastructure such as forests, waterways, roadways, pipelines and utilities requires advanced technological tools to provide timely, up to date information on status and threats. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are uniquely suited for these tasks, having large payload and long duration capabilities. UAVs also have the capability to fly dangerous and dull missions, orbiting for 24 hours over a particular area or facility providing around the clock surveillance with no personnel onboard. This technology is developing rapidly with new UAV platforms and systems becoming available for commercial use. Currently, high altitude UAV platforms are being tested for use in communications, remote sensing, agriculture, forestry and disaster management. These application demonstrations are producing new requirements for payload capabilities and package dimensions. Smaller, lighter, lower power consumption imaging systems are also being developed to meet these needs and have recently been tested over fires to detect fire fronts and hotspots. Satellite communication systems that relay video, meteorological and chemical data to users on the ground in real time have also been demonstrated. The increased interest in homeland security and resource surveillance has resulted in the evaluation of UAV technology for infrastructure characterization and mapping. Many of the UAV technological developments required for land cover and disaster monitoring can fulfill security and reconnaissance mapping requirements. This presentation highlights the current UAV landscape, our First Response Experiment (FiRE), and thoughts for the future
Presenter: Steven Wegener, NASA Ames Research Center
Steve Wegener is a Physical Scientist in the Earth Science Division at the Ames Research Center, located in the San Francisco bay area. Steve is a long time advocate for the use of UAVs for Earth science.
Steve manages the Sensors and Science element of NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) program, supporting NASA's Aero-space Enterprise. Steve leads the First Response Experiment highlighting the utility of UAVs to support compelling and urgent remote sensing applications in an effort to expand the UAV user base.
Steve also leads the UAV Science Demonstration Program supporting NASA's Earth Science enterprise. The USDP conducted two UAV science deployments this year, including the Altus Cumulus Electrification Study (ACES) conducted by Marshal Space Flight Center, and the Coffee Harvest Optimization mission conducted by Clark University.
Aircraft patrols for fire detection
The province of Saskatchewan has historically utilized a blend of 51 fire towers and aircraft to meet its detection needs. During the 2001 fire season an engineering study determined that the majority of fire towers within the province required major upgrades to meet current engineering safety standards. Subsequently the majority of the provinces’ fire towers have been dismantled. Detection during the 2002 fire season consisted of one fire tower with the remainder of organized detection being done by aircraft. The province has since commenced a detection review to determine what the optimal detection program should be for Saskatchewan, with the results anticipated in the fall of 2003. In the interim, for the 2003 fire season six towers have been rebuilt and 12 fixed wing aircraft are being utilized to replace detection capacity lost thru tower closures. A number of opinions exist as to which is more effective for detection, fire towers or aircraft. This presentation will explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of using fixed wing aircraft as a detection method in Saskatchewan.
Presenter: Elvin Reimer, Fire Management and Protection Division, Saskatchewan Environment
Elvin Reimer was born and raised in northern Saskatchewan, with his first exposure to the wild fire program as an emergency fire fighter in the late 1960’s. After graduating from High School he worked several years in various mining and forestry related jobs for several years before finally enrolling in Lethbridge Community College in 1976 where he received a diploma in Renewable Resource Management. Upon graduation he hired on with the Saskatchewan government where he has held a number of positions including air tanker dispatcher, resource officer, resource district manager and regional fire manager. Elvin’s current role is as wild fire operations manager at the provincial forest fire management center in Prince Albert
Manned lookout towers versus public reporting
This study evaluated the economic efficiency of fixed lookouts for wildfire detection in Wisconsin. Fixed lookouts were economically efficient state-wide; however, the performance of individual lookouts varied significantly. Additional analyses revealed that fixed lookouts and the public saw significantly different wildland fires, suggesting that opportunities exist to enhance the economic efficiency of wildfire detection by selectively adjusting lookout use.
Presenter: James Barnier, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
James has a Bachelor of Science in Forest Management and a Minor in Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and is qualified as a Type 3 Incident Commander. He has worked in the wild land fire service for 16 years. Seven years with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management as an Engine Boss, Crew Boss and Helitack crew member.
Nine years with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, five years as a Forester Ranger and three years as a Fire Management Officer and 1 year as the State Forest Fire Suppression Specialist.
Public Reporting/ The Provincial Forest Fire Reporting Center
As with all fire agencies, Detection and Reporting are recognized as corner stones to a successful program. Each year the British Columbia Forest Service Protection Program fights approximately 2000 forest fires.
With approximately one third of all fires in British Columbia being reported by the public, having a reliable, efficient and cost effective reporting program is paramount. In 1995 the Protection Program established the Provincial Forest Fire Reporting Center. The objective of the center is to provide a simple and direct means to report all forest fire and disseminate the information in a timely manner.
Having recognized the immediate benefits of having one provincial reporting center and with the advancement of new technology, the Protection Program continues to implement new efficiencies to the center.
In addition to taking all of the public forest fire reports for the province, the Reporting Center also issues Open Fire Reference Numbers, provides staff support to the accounts section and takes on individually assigned projects during slower periods.
Presenter: Ross Wilde, British Columbia Forest Service
Ross Wilde has been with the British Columbia Forest Service Protection Program since 1985. While completing a degree in Economic Geography at UBC, he worked on an Initial Attack crew in the Prince George Forest Region.
With the implementation of the Unit Crew program in British Columbia, Ross spent two years running a crew and then accepted the position of Supervisor, Unit Crew Operations and then Supervisor, Fire Crew Operations in Victoria.
Since that time Ross has worked in numerous capacities pertaining to fire operations both at the branch level and in the field. Presently Ross is involved in the Prevention and Detection program in Victoria.
Infrared sensors and fire detection
Ed Carey of Ambient Control Systems, Inc. of El Cajon, CA will provide an overview of Ambient's FireALERT DC system, a stand alone, battery-free wildfire detection and communication system.
Ambient's patented FireALERT product line has the capability to detect approaching wildfires and communicate the GPS coordinates of the fire to a Fire Station command center or handheld device in the field. This unique system can operate for over 20 years with no batteries and is virtually maintenance free.
What discriminates Ambient's FireALERT from other detection systems are its unique proprietary technologies, which include:
Ambient's patented battery-free energy management technology which will power the FireALERT system 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for over 20 years, requiring virtually no maintenance.
Ambient's proprietary infrared scanning sensor and embedded smart processing which will detect a wildfire in less than 4 minutes, while minimizing false alarms.
The FireALERT - DC model supports the professional fire fighting community by providing an early warning system for wild fires. The FireALERT - DC can be deployed by forestry companies, provincial and federal forestry departments and other organizations with assets at high risk from wildfires. Some of the most devastating wildfires in recent years have burned undetected for hours, making them very difficult to control. The FireALERT - DC will detect and validate a wildfire within a 400 meter radius in less than 4 minutes and communicate the GPS coordinates to a Fire Department Command Station.
In addition to Ambient's on-board proprietary sensor and embedded smart processing, the system is also IP addressable for web-enabled command and control. The current FireALERT system incorporates Spread Spectrum Radio Communications. However, it can also communicate via satellite communication to overcome significant distance and terrain issues. The FireALERT - DC also includes a GPS enabled help button for lost hikers or fire fighters requiring assistance.
For additional information, see Ambient's website www.ambientalert.com or email ecarey@ambientalert.com to address specific applications.
Presenter: EDWARD G. CAREY, Ambient Control Systems
Mr. Carey has lived in Southern California all of his adult life and graduated from California State University with a degree in business administration. After graduation and 2 years of military service in the U.S. Army he began a career in the savings and loan industry in Southern California.
Following a successful career in banking and land development in California, he has most recently been a consultant for several technology companies on their
market applications and strategies.
Mr. Carey joined ambient control systems inc. In the year 2000 as VP of administration and financial relations. He has been involved most recently with the development and deployment of Ambient’s FireALERT-DC and DCS wildfire early detection and communication systems.
He has been working closely with public agencies such as the San Diego county fire chiefs association, the San Bernardino county fire chiefs association, the Wildland/Urban interface committee of the California fire chiefs association and the California department of forestry in testing the FireALERT-DC System at controlled burn sites.
In addition he is a member of the International Association of Wildland Fire and is interfacing with firewise communities/usa and local firesafe councils.
The German Aerospace Center DLR
The German Aerospace Center DLR has resesearch institutes scientific/technical facilities at 8 sites with 4,700 employees 2,300 scientists 500 doctoral students and junior scientists plus 100 visiting scientists
Experience of DLR in fire monitoring includes...
- Several studies of satellite and aircraft based systems for fire monitoring since 1992
- Development and tests of a payload (IR and VIS line cameras, onboard processing)
- Development and operating a microsatellite (BIRD) for fire recognition (launch in 2001)
- Development and tests of the tower based FIRE-WATCH technology
Technical solution of FIRE-WATCH-P
Special requirements in Germany
- Economically viable
- Safe autonomous recognizing of a cloud of smoke the size up to 10 m, at a distance of up to 10 km within 8 minutes after visibility
- Very few false alarms
- Establishment of the coordinates of the source of fire
- Automatic alarming to a control centre and delivering of images, positioning of coordinates of fire on digital maps
- A rchiving important data (images, time of alert, coordinates)
- Effective inclusion of the operator in decisions by computer support
- User-friendly operations
Method
Autonomous visual classification of forest fires with a tower based digital CCD-camera by means of smoke detection
Tower facilities
- Digital CCD-Camera (developed for space applications)
- Very robust, excellent electronics
- Focal length: 70 mm, red-free filter
- 1024 x 1024 pixels (resolution at 10 km: 2 m)
- 16000 grey gray scale values (14 bit)
- Positioner
- PC (autonomous control of the whole system and image processing)
Image processing software
- Complex analysis of typical smoke features (dynamical and structural properties, brightness)
- Analyses an image sequence of one scene, decision within 10 seconds
- Performs a matching procedure with the images (to equalize the tower oscillations)
- Gives alert in the event of smoke
Central unit
- Controls of up to 5 towers
- Receives the alert information from the tower (by wire or wireless)
- Evaluation of alarm data by special software tools (zoom, filters, contrast,...)
- Visualisation of the transferred images
- Indication of the fire on digital maps
Presenters : Hartmut Neuss – IQ-Wireless,
Born in Berlin,Germany, Hartmut has attended the Technical University of Berlin.
His experience consists, amongst others, of the following:
1989 – 1992: Project Manager for Telecommunication Projects in various parts of Germany.
1993 – 2001: Project Manager for large Telecommunication Projects in Asia
2001 – present: Project Manager for the Fire-Watch project world-wide
Dr. Ekkehard Kührt German Aerospace Center (DLR)
A doctor in Physics, Ekkehard Kührt has worked in planetary research for most of his career. He has authored or co-authored more than 40 papers on various scientific and technical topics. His main research contributions are in the areas of thermal modelling and mechanical properties of asteroids and comets. He had major involvements in preparation and evaluation of space missions (PHOBOS, VEGA, DS1, ROSETTA) and managed several projects of the DLR, including the Firewatch project.
Dr Kührt”s experience includes:
1997 - present: Head of Section: ‘Physics of Small Bodies’ (asteroids & comets) at the Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration, Berlin
1997 – 2001: Head of the project ‘Forest Fire Recognition System based on the principles of space technology’
1995 – present: Head of the ESA-project MUPUS-TM (ROSETTA mission)
1992 – 1996: DLR staff member, Institute of Space Sensor Technology, Berlin
1994: Research fellowship at the Academy of Leopodina, guest scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy, Katlenburg-Lindau (Germany) and SWRI, San Antonio (Texas)
1991: Guest scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Aeronomy, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
1982 – 1990: Staff member at the Institute of Space Research, East-Berlin
Awards: 1982: Humboldt-Award of the Humboldt University Berlin
1994: Research Award of the Leopoldina academy
2000: German-Polish Innovation Award
Vision Systems for ground based long range fire detection
Vision Systems for long range outdoor smoke detection using ground-based cameras have developed extensively over the last 10 years. Early fire detection and accurate fire location is at the core of these systems. New imaging technologies and detection management systems built on the experience of foresters with local knowledge have made a real impact on best practice for forest fire detection.
GIS integration, using detailed models of the terrain within each camera’s field of view, makes it possible to highlight smoke detection events on a map. In addition, proposed fire break burning operations, can be highlighted on forest imagery before burning starts. This makes it easier to manage preparations for the fire season, and ensures efficient check-up procedures for fire-break extinction.
These systems have also been used to police timber theft & poaching. Longer term changes, including timber growth, land erosion & disease to vegetation can also be monitored with ForestWatch. Web enabled systems are going to greatly increase management access to events taking place in forest environments ensuring that fire fighters know the state of a large fire front on a real-time basis minimizing risk & aiding in deployment decisions.
Presenter: Dr. Gavin Hough, Innovation Support Centre
Gavin Hough started school in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan & completed his studies in South Africa before over-wintering at SA’s National Antarctic Expedition base. As expedition physicist he focused on low light level recordings of southern lights (aurora australis). It was tracking auroral forms using digital image processing techniques that got him his PhD in space physics, and led him to apply similar techniques to tracking smoke and fire. Gavin developed the first specialized video based fire detection system in 1993. This, thanks to an IDEA award (Innovative in Developing Enterprising Activities) and further industry funding led him & his team to develop the largest outdoor system currently in operation (23 cameras covering 1600 square miles along the Drakensburg
escarpment). Currently, EnviroVision Solutions operates from a European Union funded Innovation Support Centre where the same team, supports ForestWatch, a new generation fire detection system.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
As a division of Infosat Communications Inc., Norsat is a designer and integrator of closed circuit television surveillance systems and telecommunications technology. With in-depth product knowledge, the ability to analyze industry needs and the skills to apply appropriate technology to meet the needs, Norsat offers clients solutions to their operational challenges.
Based on Norsat’s understanding of the need for the early detection of forest fires in the Forest Protection Industry, Norsat has researched an economical method of applying closed circuit video surveillance systems, thermal imaging cameras and satellite technology to support the role of the Forestry Tower Operator in detecting forest fires.
Presenter: Charles Stewart, Norsat
Charles is an Electronics graduate from BCIT and has continuing education in project management and computer sciences. Charles bring to each project his 15 years of experience in delivering solutions to industry challenges.
Satellite based detection
Satellite imagery has long held promise for wildfire detection. However, capability to detect small fires, and ability to continuously monitor hazard areas has limited the use of publicly available imagery. At present satellite imagery is useful for detecting fires in remote areas where rapid initial attack is not critical. Continuously improving technology may eventually enable fire managers to use satellite imagery as a fire detection technique that allows rapid response to small fires.
Presenter : Tim Lynham, Canadian Forest Service
For the past 21 years, Tim Lynham has been a Forest Fire Research Scientist with the Canadian Forest Service in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Before joining the Federal government, he gained fire management experience while working for the Manitoba and Ontario governments.
In 1975 Tim worked on a Canso water bomber for the province of Manitoba. In 1976 he managed a regional, medium helitack program in northcentral Ontario. In 1977 he fought forest fires in Thunder Bay District as a member of a Unit Fire Crew. From 1978-1979 he installed and managed the first Canadian computerized lightning locator system in Dryden. This system, developed at the University of Arizona, was the beginning of the provincial lightning locator network. Similar systems are now used across Canada and the USA. Before joining the CFS in 1981, he worked as an Image Analyst at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing in Ottawa.
Tim has a BSc. in Forestry from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and an MSc. in Forest Fire Science from the University of Toronto. He conducts research on fire ecology as well as fire behavior modeling and remote sensing. Recently he has been studying improved methods for detecting, monitoring, and mapping forest fires using remote sensing satellite data. He is a member of the award-winning team of Canadian scientists and managers who developed the first national satellite fire mapping system for Canada.
Airborne Infrared Systems – USDA Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service has a history of evaluating, developing and deploying new technology to detect and map fires and provide imagery for fire containment efforts. Project Fire Scan began looking at remote sensing techniques in 1961, and the Forest Service has continually flown forest fire detection and mapping missions since 1966. The present day National Infrared Operations Unit (NIROPS) has the ability to fly detection and mapping through the world. Based at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) NIROPS operates two aircraft and three dual channel infrared line scanners. Recent developments include modifying the linescanners to produce digital output and the development of near real-time data downlinks to provide accurate fire detection information which can be incorporated into operational plans faster and cheaper than has been done in the past.
Presenter: Thomas Zajkowski, Red Castle Resources, USDA Forest Service
Tom has a B.S. in Geography specializing in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing from the University of Utah. He began working at the USDA Forest Services’ Remote Sensing Applications Center (RSAC) as an Instructor in 1999. He has served as a technical advisor to the NIROPS since 2001. RSAC support the NIROPS program by serving as a liaison to other agencies such as NASA and NIMA as well as private companies and to provide assistance with special projects such as the infrared typing scheme and a data downlink system.
We he is not traveling to support NIROPS he is traveling to support his three children and their pets social lives.
Airborne Infrared Systems – Theory and application
Thermal infrared detection system validation experiments are often designed without careful consideration as to the characteristics of the targets which are required to be detected operationally. Specifically, there may be a common misunderstanding of the Hotspot. During an escaped fire event, the hot flaming fronts are emitting vast quantities of thermal radiation which are easily detected with most any thermal infrared imaging sensor, it is the subtle hotspots left behind and discovered in the mop-up stage that are the challenge, not for the sole reason that they are no inferno anymore, but for the reason that they are usually buried, covered or influencing a cooler material which exhibits a lower effective surface temperature of the "hotspot" far below the nominal temperature of the source itself. More research into spatial and temporal profiles of fire features will be valuable in designing and implementing future detection systems.
Wide area initial detection needs have not exploited the airborne thermal infrared imager due to the large land base that is at risk to new starts after a lightning storm passes through a region. Using intelligent software systems to assess the many facets of "risk" of the landscape to new starts and escapes, airborne thermal imaging may offer an effective solution.
Presenter: Doug Campbell, Range and Bearing
Doug Campbell, founded Range and Bearing (RAB) in 1991 and under RAB's Scientific Research and Experimental Development program, created the Airborne Wildfire Intelligence System (AWIS) prototype between 1994 and 1999. AWIS has been providing Alberta Forest Protection Division as well as several other wildland fire management agencies in Canada, under long term contract, with decision support and technology services since 1999 encompassing many hundreds of missions covering millions of hectares of wildland fires. RAB's focal point is the provision of information solutions to the wildland fire management community, and employs 8 highly focused and adept specialists. Range and Bearing continues to accelerate the integration of new concepts and technologies and is deploying their 5th generation AWIS system this fire season.
Satellite based communications
Infosat is Canada's leading satellite telecommunications integrator and services provider. Infosat provides organizations with the ability to connect people and resources with cost effective voice, fax and data solutions using satellite technology.
Business and Government clients benefit from Infosat’s products and services by utilising the advantages of satellite technology. Some of these advantages include communication in remote areas where traditional landline technology does not exist or where the service requirement is temporary.
Based on Infosat’s understanding of the communications challenges in the Forestry Protection Industry, Dale Gamber, Infosat’s Sales Manager will review practical satellite solutions utilizing the latest satellite telecommunications technology. He will describe how various satellite technologies can be applied and the resulting benefits.
Presenter: Dale Gamber, Infosat
Dale Gamber P.Geol. has a BSc. Specializing in Geology. After graduation from the U of A Dale worked for several major oil field service companies in various locations around the world for over 18 years. He began his career in 1998 with Infosat as an Account Executive specializing in earth station and SCADA solutions. In 2000 he was appointed Sales Manager. Dale leads a team of dedicated sales personnel ensuring customer needs are understood and solutions are offered using the most appropriate technology.
Airborne Infrared Systems demonstration
The requirement for Forestry management divisions to detect and suppress Wildfires effectively and rapidly has been a mandate for years. We have combined High Resolution Digital Thermal Imaging, a Digital multi-spectral Camera and LiDAR (laser) terrain mapping system to Map Wildfires and vegetation very accurately (1m x,y,z) and rapidly, without the need of air photo ground control or GPS base stations. The methods used to collect and process the imagery data is done in a way that takes advantage of highly accurate inertial navigation gyros; INS, real-time differential GPS, laser ranging, custom automated software processing routines and sensor alignment techniques.
This method produces fully ortho-rectified imagery mosaics that are ready for insertion into any GIS or AM/FM system as a seamless mosaic. The benefits of the multiple-imagery band-sets, add a great deal to the quality of information collected including post burn vegetation analysis. The collection of the combined relational information data sets increases decision making power and confidence by operations and management.
Maps are ready within one-hour of landing of the aircraft. They are delivered as hard-copy, soft-copy and on Mobile Hand-held computers with GPS to accurately locate the recently detected hot spots.
Our demonstration will include a short flight to collect 4 flight lines of imagery over the Hinton Airport. We will pre-process the Navigation data before landing, produce a thermal ortho-rectified image map of the area, print hard copies of imagery mosaic and load the mosaic to the hand held PC tablet with GPS and physically “walk” to the simulated fire (barbque-flame) to verify the accuracy of our system within an hour of landing.
Presenter: David Stonehouse, VERIMAP
David Stonehouse has a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Algonquin Community College in 1981. He has been a licensed pilot since 1975 and is certified for night flying and seaplanes. David obtained his first Thermography Accreditation Oct 1989. Airborne applications and remote sensing was his initial focus, however, the remote sensing industry was in its early infancy stages for economic commercialization and many positioning technical hurdles needed to be solved. He was trainer for the Academy of Infrared Thermography (Bellingham WA and Kamloops BC) from 1997 to 2000. At present David is president of VERIMAP, an airborne image service provider. VeriMap/VeriMARC own and operate a 5-band multi spectral and terrain mapping system that creates digital ortho-imagery with rapid turnaround. In some cases, maps are ready at landing of plane. Typically maps are 1m accurate, and are 1 to 3hrs old.