Operational meteo fire danger system based on space information for Chaco Serrano

Abstract

In this paper we present the operational implementation of a fire risk mapping system based in Numerical Weather Prediction and space derivate Moisture content of live fuels (LFMC) for the Chaco Serrano sub-region. The system is operative since the end of 2016 and estimates the fire danger index automatically (without any man operator), based on the 72 hours forecast of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model for the meteorological component. In addition, the model implemented incorporate, in this last version, a land cover classification and an also automatic estimation of the LFMC based in MODIS vegetation indexes. Thus, this operational outcome is part of the suite of products that the National Space Agency CONAE in Cooperation with academic institutions develops in the way to apply geospatial information and satellite based products to help on environmental emergencies/disasters, during pre-disaster planning, response and assistance and reconstruction phases.