Fighting Wildfire with High Technology

Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing LaboratoryR.I.TRR..II..TT

FightingFighting Wildfire Wildfire with High with High TechnologyTechnology

Presented to The ACS Rochester DivisionPresented to The ACS Rochester DivisionMay 2003May 2003

Dr. Robert KremensDr. Robert KremensSr. Research ScientistSr. Research Scientist

Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing GroupDigital Imaging and Remote Sensing GroupCenter for Imaging ScienceCenter for Imaging Science

Rochester Institute of TechnologyRochester Institute of Technology


OutlineOutline

•• About the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Group at RITAbout the Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Group at RIT

•• Ecology, environment, resource protection and other motivating Ecology, environment, resource protection and other motivating issues for wildland fireissues for wildland fire

•• What is a wildland fire? What is a wildland fire? -- wildland fire behavior and flame physicswildland fire behavior and flame physics

•• Laboratory and Field fire characterization experimentsLaboratory and Field fire characterization experiments–– Exciting new physics, new measurementsExciting new physics, new measurements

•• Management and fighting fires in the United StatesManagement and fighting fires in the United States


Research GoalsResearch Goals

•• We have obtained NASA funding to broadly study detection of We have obtained NASA funding to broadly study detection of wildland fires, including the possibility of using inexpensive wildland fires, including the possibility of using inexpensive satellites in LEO or lowsatellites in LEO or low--cost aircraft as fire monitorscost aircraft as fire monitors

•• To that end, we have researched:To that end, we have researched:–– Basic phenomenology of wildland firesBasic phenomenology of wildland fires–– Fire scene simulation using our rayFire scene simulation using our ray--tracing/propagation code tracing/propagation code DIRSIGDIRSIG–– Fire detection algorithmsFire detection algorithms–– Satellite sensor and optics ‘straw man’ designsSatellite sensor and optics ‘straw man’ designs–– Novel onNovel on--thethe--ground fire measurement and detection equipmentground fire measurement and detection equipment


The Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing The Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing Group specializes in physicsGroup specializes in physics--based remote based remote sensing applications and modelingsensing applications and modeling

•• Our programs use physicsOur programs use physics--based modeling and based modeling and simulation to study algorithms and remotesimulation to study algorithms and remote--sensed sensed phenomena.phenomena.

•• We acquire our own data with an airborne 70We acquire our own data with an airborne 70--band band multimulti--spectral imager spectral imager -- MISI.MISI.

•• We have written a physicsWe have written a physics--based ray trace simulator to based ray trace simulator to model the scene, atmospheric transmission (model the scene, atmospheric transmission (MODTRANMODTRAN) ) and sensor (and sensor (DIRSIGDIRSIG).).

•• We currently have 17 staff, 3 faculty and around 35 grad We currently have 17 staff, 3 faculty and around 35 grad and undergrad students working on DIRS problemsand undergrad students working on DIRS problems

False Color hyperspectral image from MISI - Rochester Embayment

Piper Aztec with MISI HyperspectralImager


The remote sensing group uses a number of The remote sensing group uses a number of computational and experimental toolscomputational and experimental tools

DIRSIG synthetic imaging simulator

MISI 80 band airborne scanning camera0.35 µm – 14 µm


The FIRES Research GroupThe FIRES Research Group

Prof. Tony Prof. Tony VodacekVodacek PIPIDr. Robert Kremens SRSDr. Robert Kremens SRS

Dr. Ambrose Dr. Ambrose OnonyeOnonye –– PostdocPostdocStefStef VanGordenVanGorden –– MS Grad StudentMS Grad StudentZhen Wang Zhen Wang –– Ph.D. Grad StudentPh.D. Grad Student

Ying Li Ying Li -- Ph.D. Grad StudentPh.D. Grad StudentMike Richardson Mike Richardson –– Program ManagerProgram Manager

Undergrads: Danielle Merritt, Jason Undergrads: Danielle Merritt, Jason FaulringFaulring, , Adolph Adolph SeemaSeema, Pete Gee, Dave , Pete Gee, Dave PogolrazaPogolraza, Adam , Adam

CiszCisz, Andy Gallagher…., Andy Gallagher….The ‘BURN’ TeamThe ‘BURN’ Team


Motivation for Wildland Fire Motivation for Wildland Fire ResearchResearch


Wildfires are omnipresent in the natural Wildfires are omnipresent in the natural environment environment –– ecological motivationecological motivation

• Fires affect the global climate through processes such as trace gas and aerosol production, and by changes to terrestrial carbon dynamics.

• Fires consume trees and other forest resources that may otherwise be harvested.

• Fires are a source of severe local air pollution for residents nearby.

• Fires destroy fixed assets (buildings)

• Some tree species and forest ecosystems require fire for health and propagation.

• Fire affects predator-prey relations as well as killing some individuals

• Fire has always been a part of the natural environment.


Why study forest fires? Do we need orbital fire Why study forest fires? Do we need orbital fire detectors? Can inexpensive airborne detectors be detectors? Can inexpensive airborne detectors be developed?developed?

•• Correct allocation of fire fighting resources reduces costs, minCorrect allocation of fire fighting resources reduces costs, minimizes imizes risk to life and property.risk to life and property.

–– Wildland firefighting cost nearly US$2B last year ( a bad year…)Wildland firefighting cost nearly US$2B last year ( a bad year…)

•• It is currently difficult if not impossible to monitor wildfiresIt is currently difficult if not impossible to monitor wildfires accurately. accurately. –– Fires are usually located initially by citizens Fires are usually located initially by citizens

•• Airborne systems are limited because of limited coverage and shoAirborne systems are limited because of limited coverage and short rt loiter time. Highloiter time. High--flying airborne systems (U2) are logistically difficult, flying airborne systems (U2) are logistically difficult, rare and expensive to operate.rare and expensive to operate.

•• We are also building a multiWe are also building a multi--band (visible, 2band (visible, 2µµm, 3m, 3--5 5 µµm and 8m and 8--1212µµm) m) camera for fire monitoring from small aircraft that are readily camera for fire monitoring from small aircraft that are readily available available (‘WASP’ project, NASA)(‘WASP’ project, NASA)


A major environmental question: Do forest A major environmental question: Do forest fires alter the radiation balance of the earth?fires alter the radiation balance of the earth?

•• Antarctic ice samples (and other evidence) show long term increaAntarctic ice samples (and other evidence) show long term increases in ses in several greenhouse gases. The question is, what is the natural several greenhouse gases. The question is, what is the natural contribution to the increase in greenhouse gases? contribution to the increase in greenhouse gases?


Combating Combating wildandwildand fires: Better techniques fires: Better techniques are required to detect, monitor and combat are required to detect, monitor and combat wildfireswildfires

•• Current procedures Current procedures developed over 75 years developed over 75 years do not take advantage do not take advantage of the latest technologyof the latest technology

•• Knowledge of fire Knowledge of fire position and spread rate position and spread rate makes resource makes resource allocation effective and allocation effective and modeling possible.modeling possible.

•• Unusually high spread Unusually high spread rates cause the majority rates cause the majority of forest fire fatalities of forest fire fatalities and property loss.and property loss.


Forest fires have been remotely detected in Forest fires have been remotely detected in the past by observing infrared emissionthe past by observing infrared emission

•• Thermal emission spectra from 1200K fire peaks at (Thermal emission spectra from 1200K fire peaks at (WeinWein displacement displacement law):law):

λλ = 0.29/T (cm) = 2.4 = 0.29/T (cm) = 2.4 µµm.m.

•• MultiMulti--band IR measurements allow approximate determination of band IR measurements allow approximate determination of temperature of scenetemperature of scene

•• Long wavelength IR (8 Long wavelength IR (8 -- 12 12 µµm) can detect fire scars and ‘hot’ ground (if m) can detect fire scars and ‘hot’ ground (if large enough in area)large enough in area)

•• Very large dynamic range necessary for MWIR (2.5 Very large dynamic range necessary for MWIR (2.5 -- 5 5 µµm) detectors to m) detectors to avoid saturationavoid saturation

–– P = P = α ε α ε TT4 4 so high temperatures generate huge radiated so high temperatures generate huge radiated power.power.

•• Likelihood for false alarms is very high if only one waveband isLikelihood for false alarms is very high if only one waveband is usedused


IR detection of fires presents difficulties when IR detection of fires presents difficulties when using simple, low cost systemsusing simple, low cost systems

•• IR detectors typically not as sensitive or quiet (on any measureIR detectors typically not as sensitive or quiet (on any measure) as ) as visible (silicon) devicesvisible (silicon) devices

•• IR detectors need cooling, in general (IR detectors need cooling, in general (bolometersbolometers a possible exception)a possible exception)•• Small fires may be important as precursors to larger burns and aSmall fires may be important as precursors to larger burns and as s

predictors of fire spread.predictors of fire spread.•• Small fires, which are in general subSmall fires, which are in general sub--pixel events in a smallpixel events in a small--telescope telescope

satellite or aircraft, are indistinguishable from specular reflesatellite or aircraft, are indistinguishable from specular reflections and a ctions and a number of other natural phenomena.number of other natural phenomena.

•• A detector only measures the A detector only measures the total incident detector powertotal incident detector power. For a . For a particular pixel, in a given waveband, the same power can be obtparticular pixel, in a given waveband, the same power can be obtained ained from a large area high reflectivity warm surface (false alarm) ofrom a large area high reflectivity warm surface (false alarm) or a cold r a cold background + fire (‘true” alarm).background + fire (‘true” alarm).

•• Distinguishing a fire needs a discriminating condition Distinguishing a fire needs a discriminating condition -- which could be which could be obtained by comparison with adjacent pixels, etc.obtained by comparison with adjacent pixels, etc.

•• A large, hot fire will saturate a detector designed to look at EA large, hot fire will saturate a detector designed to look at Eartharth--ambient temperatures (300K) Almost all current satellite systemsambient temperatures (300K) Almost all current satellite systems are are optimized for this temperature maximum.optimized for this temperature maximum.


Wildland fire is a complex physical Wildland fire is a complex physical phenomena that demands multidisciplinary phenomena that demands multidisciplinary researchresearch


The program includes both basic science and The program includes both basic science and technology investigationstechnology investigations


Wildland Fire Behavior and Wildland Fire Behavior and PhysicsPhysics


Wildfire is a dynamic and diverse phenomenaWildfire is a dynamic and diverse phenomena


Fire converts complex hydrocarbons to simpler Fire converts complex hydrocarbons to simpler molecules with the release of heat (1)molecules with the release of heat (1)

•• The combustion process (in The combustion process (in general) consists of a general) consists of a pyrolysispyrolysiscycle cycle and a and a soot cycle.soot cycle.

•• In the In the pyrolysispyrolysis cycle:cycle:–– Volatile fuel compounds evaporate.Volatile fuel compounds evaporate.–– PyrolysisPyrolysis (heat divided) subdivides (heat divided) subdivides

fuel into 2 fuel into 2 -- 4 carbon chains. 4 carbon chains. Thermal energy comes from Thermal energy comes from radiated heat from reaction zone.radiated heat from reaction zone.

–– 22--4 carbon chains diffuse into 4 carbon chains diffuse into reaction zone and mix with oxygenreaction zone and mix with oxygen

–– Oxidation of small HC causes Oxidation of small HC causes energy release (backenergy release (back--radiated radiated energy causes further energy causes further pyrolysispyrolysis))


Fire converts complex hydrocarbons to simpler Fire converts complex hydrocarbons to simpler molecules with the release of heat (2)molecules with the release of heat (2)

•• The combustion process (in The combustion process (in general) consists of the following general) consists of the following steps (soot cycle):steps (soot cycle):

–– Evaporation of volatile fuel Evaporation of volatile fuel compoundscompounds

–– Volatile compounds aggregate into Volatile compounds aggregate into (roughly) (roughly) spheroidialspheroidial ‘soot’ ‘soot’ particles. Molecular weight of particles. Molecular weight of these particles is still high. these particles is still high.

–– Unburned soot diffuses and Unburned soot diffuses and circulates throughout the flame circulates throughout the flame interiorinterior

–– With emissivity near 1, soot With emissivity near 1, soot particles absorb thermal energy particles absorb thermal energy from reaction zone and refrom reaction zone and re--radiate. radiate. Hot soot is responsible for the Hot soot is responsible for the yellow flame coloryellow flame color


Modeling the spread of wildfire is complex. Modeling the spread of wildfire is complex. Codes have been developed and validated.Codes have been developed and validated.

•• The location and spread The location and spread rate of the fire is rate of the fire is thethe most most important information important information from a firefrom a fire--fighting fighting perspective.perspective.

•• Accurate models are Accurate models are available (USFS FARSITE) available (USFS FARSITE) but these models are only but these models are only as good as weather, as good as weather, terrain and fuel type input terrain and fuel type input data.data.

•• Models are ‘tweaked’ Models are ‘tweaked’ during run using known during run using known position of fire (if position of fire (if available)available)

FARSITE fire propagation model - point source ignition, one hour fire front contours


Fire Experiments and Field Fire Experiments and Field Data CollectionData Collection


We have conducted laboratory experiments to We have conducted laboratory experiments to provide fundamental physical data for input to our provide fundamental physical data for input to our simulationssimulations

•• We need to understand the basic physical phenomena in a fire thaWe need to understand the basic physical phenomena in a fire that t govern the gross behaviorgovern the gross behavior

–– RequriedRequried to develop accurate scenesto develop accurate scenes–– Required for physicsRequired for physics--based understanding of fire spreadbased understanding of fire spread

•• We need to know what simplifications and assumptions can be madeWe need to know what simplifications and assumptions can be made to to ease calculations required for image synthesis and modelingease calculations required for image synthesis and modeling

•• We need to be able to analyze and predict the emission of narrowWe need to be able to analyze and predict the emission of narrow line line and other interesting spectral features from wildland fires to uand other interesting spectral features from wildland fires to uniquely niquely identify fires in a cluttered background of hot objectsidentify fires in a cluttered background of hot objects

•• At a minimum, the emissivity and temperature profiles of the fAt a minimum, the emissivity and temperature profiles of the fire as a ire as a function of wavelength are required to model a fire with function of wavelength are required to model a fire with DIRSIGDIRSIG


Among other aspects of our investigation, we Among other aspects of our investigation, we will measure the fire physical parameters will measure the fire physical parameters

relevant to remote sensing of firesrelevant to remote sensing of fires


The parameters required are the basic inputs to The parameters required are the basic inputs to a scene simulator using tools like DIRSIGa scene simulator using tools like DIRSIG

Burn Scar Temperature Burn Scar Temperature vs. time, emissivityvs. time, emissivity

Gaseous emission Gaseous emission productsproducts

DIRSIGDIRSIG Fire ElementFire Element

Emissivity, total flux, Emissivity, total flux, spectra, reflectance, spectra, reflectance, transmission, temperaturetransmission, temperature

Flame emissivity, Flame emissivity, temperature, emission temperature, emission line structureline structure

Burn ScarBurn Scar


Laboratory campaigns during July 2001 and August Laboratory campaigns during July 2001 and August 2002 gathered valuable data and provide a jumping off 2002 gathered valuable data and provide a jumping off points for more complete characterizationpoints for more complete characterization

•• Data summary 2001:Data summary 2001:–– Acquire detailed spectra in the visible using ASD Acquire detailed spectra in the visible using ASD

spectrometerspectrometer–– Gained valuable experience on fire behavior and Gained valuable experience on fire behavior and

experimentationexperimentation

•• Data summary 2002:Data summary 2002:–– Good measurement of fire temperature field at 1 second Good measurement of fire temperature field at 1 second

resolutionresolution–– Good measurement of average emissivity as a function Good measurement of average emissivity as a function

of flame depth in the 8 of flame depth in the 8 -- 14 14 µµm regionm region–– Valuable experience in narrowband (10 nm FWHM) Valuable experience in narrowband (10 nm FWHM)

transmission measurements of flametransmission measurements of flame–– First high spectral resolution images of flames at two First high spectral resolution images of flames at two

wavelengths (potassium emission)wavelengths (potassium emission)


Laboratory and field experiments are complementaryLaboratory and field experiments are complementary

•• Laboratory experiments Laboratory experiments –– Controlled combustionControlled combustion–– RepeatableRepeatable–– Better instrumentationBetter instrumentation–– Less dirt!Less dirt!

•• Field experimentsField experiments–– the Real Thing!the Real Thing!–– Wildly different and unpredictable Wildly different and unpredictable

fuel and combustion fuel and combustion –– Use novel instrumentation to acquire Use novel instrumentation to acquire

datadata–– Heck of a lot of fun!!!Heck of a lot of fun!!!


Laboratory experiments are conducted in the Laboratory experiments are conducted in the combustion chamber at the RMSC in Missoula combustion chamber at the RMSC in Missoula

MontanaMontana

•• The burn surface of The burn surface of the chamber is about the chamber is about 10 m square10 m square

•• The smoke stack of The smoke stack of the burn chamber is the burn chamber is about 40 m highabout 40 m high

•• The ‘draw’ from the The ‘draw’ from the combustion chamber combustion chamber is assisted by a 25 is assisted by a 25 hp fanhp fan

•In-situ instrumentation includes mass consumpation rate, CO2 evoloved, chamber air temperature•An aluminum fire bed (0.91m X 2.43m) was used. A gauge grid (0.3m) was present to judge the location of the fire.

BryceBryceSmoke hoodSmoke hood

Burn surfaceBurn surface


We measure the emitted spectra from 0.35 to 14 We measure the emitted spectra from 0.35 to 14 µµmm

We want to We want to infer infer emissivity, emissivity, temperature temperature and other and other relevant relevant flame flame physical physical parametersparameters


A USFSA USFS--constructed 5constructed 5--channel filter spectrometer channel filter spectrometer measured the 2.4 measured the 2.4 -- 10.610.6µµm emissionm emission

•• Data reduction and reData reduction and re--calibration in progresscalibration in progress

•• Overlaps with ASD (2.44 Overlaps with ASD (2.44 µµm)m)•• Attempt to observe spectrum Attempt to observe spectrum

in the LWIR to measure in the LWIR to measure departures from departures from PlanckianPlanckianshapeshape


An ASD An ASD FieldspecFieldspec FR and an Ocean Optics D2J FR and an Ocean Optics D2J provided high resolution VISprovided high resolution VIS--NIR spectraNIR spectra

•• We have very good high resolution We have very good high resolution spectra in the visible (0.3 spectra in the visible (0.3 -- 0.9 0.9 µµm).m).

•• The NIR The NIR -- MWIR is currently not as MWIR is currently not as well understood. Are we having well understood. Are we having ASD problems? Is the ASD capable ASD problems? Is the ASD capable of making wide dynamic range of making wide dynamic range radiance measurements?radiance measurements?


We believe we need other measurements of flame We believe we need other measurements of flame temperatures to accurately model potassium temperatures to accurately model potassium emissionemission

•• Initial model worked out Initial model worked out by Pete Gee off by an by Pete Gee off by an order of magnitude. order of magnitude. (Measurement shows too (Measurement shows too much emission compared much emission compared to model)to model)

•• Possible sources of error:Possible sources of error:–– Incorrect temperature Incorrect temperature

measurementmeasurement»» Obtained T by fit to Obtained T by fit to

spectral data spectral data -- no no good???good???

–– Absorption/opacity Absorption/opacity unknown for fire in this unknown for fire in this waveband waveband -- assume = 0assume = 0

–– Lousy model?Lousy model?–– Duh?Duh?

600 800 1000 1200 1400 16001 .10 8

1 .10 7

1 .10 6

1 .10 5

1 .10 4

1 .10 3

0.01Ratio of potassium to thermal power

Temperature, K

Rat

io o

f pow

er

2.222 10 3.

1 10 8.

Rj

1.55 103.600 Tj


Very strong emission features from gaseous fire Very strong emission features from gaseous fire products in the VIS/NIR have been recordedproducts in the VIS/NIR have been recorded

•• Features from hot COFeatures from hot CO22 and and HH22O dominate the O dominate the molecular emission molecular emission spectrum.spectrum.

•• This spectrum was This spectrum was obtained from wet fuel obtained from wet fuel material (Doug. Fir) in the material (Doug. Fir) in the smoldering combustion smoldering combustion phase.phase.

•• Even though the Even though the atmosphere absorbs atmosphere absorbs strongly in these bands, strongly in these bands, the possibility of ‘edge the possibility of ‘edge effect detection’ from effect detection’ from thermal broadening is thermal broadening is exciting.exciting.


The 2002 experiments were designed to measure The 2002 experiments were designed to measure emissivity and image potassium line emissionemissivity and image potassium line emission

•• The fire kinetic temperature was The fire kinetic temperature was monitored by an array of up to 24 monitored by an array of up to 24 thermocouples in the fire bedthermocouples in the fire bed

•• The length of the ignited flame bed The length of the ignited flame bed was varied to study the change in was varied to study the change in emissivity and K line emission on emissivity and K line emission on flame lengthflame length

•• A A HeitronicsHeitronics radiant thermometer was radiant thermometer was used to measure the radiant emission used to measure the radiant emission from the fire. This was compared to from the fire. This was compared to the emission expected from the the emission expected from the measured fire temperature to measured fire temperature to determine the emissivitydetermine the emissivity


HighHigh--speed visible videography was acquired speed visible videography was acquired alongalong--tracktrack

•• A JVC digital video A JVC digital video camera captured camera captured ~120 frames per ~120 frames per second in a subsecond in a sub--sampled mode.sampled mode.

•• The camera viewed The camera viewed the fire alongthe fire along--track, track, opposite from the opposite from the spectrometerspectrometer

•• FireFire--blob motion blob motion being being analayzedanalayzed

JVC High Speed VideoJVC High Speed Video


We need to measure many more parameters in We need to measure many more parameters in selfself--consistent ways to more fully understand fire consistent ways to more fully understand fire phenomenology phenomenology

•• Burn scar temperature as a function of timeBurn scar temperature as a function of time–– Montana, Spring/Summer 2004Montana, Spring/Summer 2004

•• Transmission/absorption measurements at critical wavelengthsTransmission/absorption measurements at critical wavelengths–– Emission lines* + samples in visible through LWIR. Laser/bright Emission lines* + samples in visible through LWIR. Laser/bright source and source and

receiverreceiver•• Emissivity measurements as a function of flame depth at a numberEmissivity measurements as a function of flame depth at a number of of

wavelengthswavelengths–– 88--14 14 µµm in hand: need 3m in hand: need 3--5 5 µµm and visible (0.3 m and visible (0.3 -- 1 1 µµm ) at least. Radiometer in m ) at least. Radiometer in

several bands.several bands.•• SelfSelf--consistent temperature measure for line emissionconsistent temperature measure for line emission

–– Potassium ‘thermometer’ using Ocean Optics spectrometer (RMSC) oPotassium ‘thermometer’ using Ocean Optics spectrometer (RMSC) or r filter/detector packages. Seeded fuel measurements (K/Na)filter/detector packages. Seeded fuel measurements (K/Na)

•• Test of AFD in prescribed burn scenarioTest of AFD in prescribed burn scenario–– Montana, Spring, Summer 2004Montana, Spring, Summer 2004

•• Possibility of radioactive release during firesPossibility of radioactive release during fires–– High volume air sampler and radioactive analysis with SUNY High volume air sampler and radioactive analysis with SUNY GeneseoGeneseo


Some of the characterization is funded under a Some of the characterization is funded under a USFS Joint Venture agreement with RITUSFS Joint Venture agreement with RIT

•• Some of the measurements Some of the measurements described are funded by described are funded by USFSUSFS

•• Motion analysis of Motion analysis of flameletsflameletsbegs a student projectbegs a student project

•• Open ended invitation to Open ended invitation to field data collection or burn field data collection or burn chamber experimentschamber experiments

•• Heat pulse modeling with Heat pulse modeling with ME departmentME department

D. THE COOPERATOR SHALL:

1. Perform the following tasks for Phase One (date last signed through Feb. 15,2004):

a. Perform optical radiation characterizations of wildland fuel materialflames, with particular attention to remote detection of heat pulse as it maybe used to predict 1st-order fire effects such as damage to trees or organicmaterial adjacent to the fire. This effort may include, but is not limited to,measurement of flame emissivity, optical depth of the flame envelope,particle density and emissivities and heat flux from fuels.

b. Perform motion analysis of high-speed movies (250 - 500 frames persecond) taken in the Forest Service’s combustion chamber to producevelocity profiles of active flames.

c. Support field and laboratory data acquisition with Cooperator and ForestService instruments, including data analysis and recording. Support willbe provided on 2-3 prescribed and/or wildland fires in remote locations inthe Western United States. Support may also include deployment of theautonomous environmental sensor (AES) for remote ground-based dataacquisition.

d. Examine the feasibility of modeling the heat pulse using simple transportmodels.

e. Initiate the preparation and submittal of 1-2 refereed journal articles,participating as co-author(s) on relevant papers and reports with ForestService scientist(s).

2. Collaborate with the Forest Service in the preparation of a mutually acceptable,detailed work plan, submit a copy of the plan to the Forest Service by Dec. 15, 2002, andconduct this study in compliance with the work plan as well as the provisions of thisagreement.


Both field and laboratory experiments will be Both field and laboratory experiments will be required to understand these critical fire required to understand these critical fire parametersparameters

•• Future Burn 200XFuture Burn 200X::–– November 2002 (<<postponed>>):November 2002 (<<postponed>>):

»» Refinement of August 2002 ExperimentsRefinement of August 2002 Experiments»» Chamber experiment, varied flame bed lengthChamber experiment, varied flame bed length»» ReRe--measure emissivity at 8measure emissivity at 8--14 14 µµm and attempt measurement at 3m and attempt measurement at 3--5 5 µµmm

•• Need to develop 3Need to develop 3--5 radiometer 5 radiometer post hastepost haste»» Instrument fire with 4Instrument fire with 4--channel thermocouple field boxes for channel thermocouple field boxes for

test/shakedowntest/shakedown»» Measure transmission as a function of flame depth for potassium Measure transmission as a function of flame depth for potassium lineline»» Measure relative emissions from potassium lines at 766nm and othMeasure relative emissions from potassium lines at 766nm and other er

lines for independent temperature measurement. lines for independent temperature measurement. •• Seed fire with aqueous Seed fire with aqueous KClKCl solutionsolution

–– December 2002 December 2002 -- March 2003 (with SUNY March 2003 (with SUNY GeneseoGeneseo))»» Analyze radioactivity of wood samples from Analyze radioactivity of wood samples from FirelabFirelab (Ponderosa pine, (Ponderosa pine,

Douglas fir, aspen)Douglas fir, aspen)»» Continue analysis of all experimentsContinue analysis of all experiments


Both field and laboratory experiments are required Both field and laboratory experiments are required to understand these critical fire parametersto understand these critical fire parameters

•• Future Burn 200XFuture Burn 200X::–– Spring Spring -- Summer 2003Summer 2003

»» Prescribed burn field measurement of burn scar temperature as a Prescribed burn field measurement of burn scar temperature as a function of time using 2 X 4function of time using 2 X 4--channel position aware thermocouple boxeschannel position aware thermocouple boxes

»» Based on preliminary radioactivity studies, make more sample Based on preliminary radioactivity studies, make more sample collections and measurements over a wider geographic area and decollections and measurements over a wider geographic area and deploy ploy high volume air sampler on prescribed burnhigh volume air sampler on prescribed burn

»» Continue emissivity measurements as a function of fuel bed lengtContinue emissivity measurements as a function of fuel bed length at h at visible/near infrared wavelengthsvisible/near infrared wavelengths


We have discovered very interesting narrowWe have discovered very interesting narrow--line features during wildland combustionline features during wildland combustion

We have detected We have detected narrowband emission narrowband emission lines from potassium, lines from potassium, sodium and sodium and phosphorousphosphorous

These elements are These elements are major constituents by major constituents by weight of plant fuel weight of plant fuel materialmaterial

The potassium The potassium emission feature is very emission feature is very strong because of low strong because of low ionization potential and ionization potential and high abundancehigh abundance


Vegetative biomass is primarily composed Vegetative biomass is primarily composed of just a few elementsof just a few elements

•• As expected, most of the mass is H,C,O and N (by weight):As expected, most of the mass is H,C,O and N (by weight):–– C: 45%C: 45%–– H: 5.5%H: 5.5%–– O: 41%O: 41%–– N: 3.5%N: 3.5%

•• But there are large (and varied) weight percentages of ‘trace’ But there are large (and varied) weight percentages of ‘trace’ elements:elements:

–– K: up to 7%K: up to 7%–– Na: 0.1%Na: 0.1%–– P: up to 1%P: up to 1%–– Ca: up to 5%Ca: up to 5%

•• Some of these elements have unique spectral properties in a fireSome of these elements have unique spectral properties in a fire

Candidates for fire detection


We have analyzed an AVIRIS fire data sets in We have analyzed an AVIRIS fire data sets in several wavebands (several wavebands (CuiabaCuiaba, BZ), BZ)

•• Individual pixels of this data show strong potassium linesIndividual pixels of this data show strong potassium lines•• Some IR channels saturated Some IR channels saturated

Spectra of Fire & Background in AVIRIS Scar-B Data

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

383 837 1292 1790 2280Wavelength (nm)

Rad

ianc

e FireGrassWarm Ground


We have analyzed an AVIRIS fire data sets in We have analyzed an AVIRIS fire data sets in several wavebands (several wavebands (CuiabaCuiaba, BZ) (2), BZ) (2)

•• A A -- 589 nm 589 nm -- no smoke penetrationno smoke penetration•• B B -- 770 nm 770 nm -- smoke penetration, bright active fire fronts visiblesmoke penetration, bright active fire fronts visible


We have analyzed an AVIRIS fire data sets in We have analyzed an AVIRIS fire data sets in several wavebands (several wavebands (CuiabaCuiaba, BZ) (3), BZ) (3)

•• C C -- 1500 nm (smoke penetration, fire fronts)1500 nm (smoke penetration, fire fronts)•• D D -- Band ratio, 769 nm / 779 nm Band ratio, 769 nm / 779 nm


The goal of the field campaigns are to capture The goal of the field campaigns are to capture realreal--world data using the world data using the multispectralmultispectralscanner MISIscanner MISI

•• Data from our aircraft sensing system is needed to test Data from our aircraft sensing system is needed to test algorithms used to detect firesalgorithms used to detect fires

•• The aircraft system has been optimized under the FIRES contract The aircraft system has been optimized under the FIRES contract for fire detectionfor fire detection

–– Short wave through long wave infrared (1.1 Short wave through long wave infrared (1.1 -- 14 14 µµm)m)»» Wide dynamic range electronics (dual gain) to avoid problems witWide dynamic range electronics (dual gain) to avoid problems with h

signal overload on hot firessignal overload on hot fires–– Visible bands centered on potassium and sodium emission linesVisible bands centered on potassium and sodium emission lines

•• We have conducted careful ground truth, including groundWe have conducted careful ground truth, including ground--based based measurements of temperature and emissivity of test firesmeasurements of temperature and emissivity of test fires

•• Only in this way can we compare simulations, theory and Only in this way can we compare simulations, theory and experiments experiments


We have also performed field data collections We have also performed field data collections at 5 controlled burns in the northeastat 5 controlled burns in the northeast

Fort Drum

Finger Lakes Nat’l Forest

Montezuma Nat’l Wildlife Refuge

Lake Ontario Beach Burn

Spencerport ‘Dump’ Burn


We acquired spectra and ground cooling rates We acquired spectra and ground cooling rates at a controlled burn at Ft. Drum (NYS)at a controlled burn at Ft. Drum (NYS)

We observed a 125 ha We observed a 125 ha controlled burn at Fort controlled burn at Fort Drum (Watertown, NY)Drum (Watertown, NY)

We did not We did not overflyoverflybecause of logistics because of logistics difficulty with attack difficulty with attack aircraft and artilleryaircraft and artillery

Fire fighters from Ft. Fire fighters from Ft. Drum (USA), USFS Drum (USA), USFS (GMNF and FLNF) (GMNF and FLNF) ran the fire operationran the fire operation

The burn is used to The burn is used to control undergrowth control undergrowth to ease troop to ease troop movementsmovements


At a controlled burn at Finger Lake National At a controlled burn at Finger Lake National Forest, we obtained both ground and airborneForest, we obtained both ground and airborne--instrument datainstrument data

We used the ASD We used the ASD spectrometer to spectrometer to measure spectra of the measure spectra of the fire and reflectance of fire and reflectance of the burn scarsthe burn scars

The MISI The MISI hyperspectralhyperspectralcamera was camera was overflownoverflownin our Piper Aztec at in our Piper Aztec at 1000,1500 and 2500 m1000,1500 and 2500 m


Airborne instrument Airborne instrument overflightsoverflights successfully successfully captured thermal and narrowcaptured thermal and narrow--band fire features band fire features

Zoom of fire area from Zoom of fire area from falsefalse--color image. Red color image. Red pixels are highpixels are high--value value potassium emission potassium emission (flaming combustion)(flaming combustion)

MISI false-color image (766 - 756 - 776 nm)

Thermal image from Thermal image from same scene, showing same scene, showing hot burn scar and hot burn scar and combustion front. Hot combustion front. Hot gases evolved from gases evolved from combustion are to the combustion are to the lower right.lower right.


Managing Forests and Forest Managing Forests and Forest FiresFires


Forest and forest fire management has Forest and forest fire management has changed significantly over the last 100 years changed significantly over the last 100 years

•• Initial response to fires in the US was to ‘let burn’ (until 188Initial response to fires in the US was to ‘let burn’ (until 1886).6).•• Yellowstone Park fire of 1886 was controlled by the Army.Yellowstone Park fire of 1886 was controlled by the Army.•• US Forest Service established in 1905 by Teddy Roosevelt. US Forest Service established in 1905 by Teddy Roosevelt. GifordGiford

PinchotPinchot, conservationist and forester, was first head. , conservationist and forester, was first head. –– PinchotPinchot established a program of research, production and control established a program of research, production and control

based on European models of based on European models of silvaculturesilvaculture. Fire was to be . Fire was to be combattedcombattedat all costs (a fire is a waste of wood!)at all costs (a fire is a waste of wood!)

•• ‘10 AM’ established in 1920’s. CCC became part of the fire ‘10 AM’ established in 1920’s. CCC became part of the fire fighting workforce.fighting workforce.

•• 1940’s 1940’s -- some fires discovered to be beneficial to pine plantations some fires discovered to be beneficial to pine plantations in the South.in the South.

•• 1960’s 1960’s -- beneficial effects and necessity of fire became apparentbeneficial effects and necessity of fire became apparent•• 1990’s 1990’s --limited ‘let burn’ policy instituted, if life and property not limited ‘let burn’ policy instituted, if life and property not

at risk. at risk.


Forest fires a battled by a complex multiForest fires a battled by a complex multi--faceted organization faceted organization

•• Depending on the size and danger of the fire, a flexible responsDepending on the size and danger of the fire, a flexible response e may be mounted to combat the blaze.may be mounted to combat the blaze.

•• The ‘Incident Command’ hierarchy is used. This management The ‘Incident Command’ hierarchy is used. This management tool is common to FEMA, armed services, and NGOstool is common to FEMA, armed services, and NGOs

State Agencies

Local Fire Departments









Spectrometers span the 0.35 Spectrometers span the 0.35 -- 10.6 10.6 µµm wavelength m wavelength regimeregime

•• ASD ASD FieldspecFieldspec FR spectrometer:FR spectrometer:–– 3 nm FWHM spectral resolution3 nm FWHM spectral resolution–– 33o o field of viewfield of view–– 0.35 0.35 -- 2.5 2.5 µµm spectral rangem spectral range

•• Ocean OpticsOcean Optics–– 0.365 nm FWHM spectral resolution0.365 nm FWHM spectral resolution–– Spec1: 0.64 Spec1: 0.64 -- 1.28 1.28 µµmm–– Spec2: 0.18 Spec2: 0.18 -- 0.875 0.875 µµmm–– 1010oo field of viewfield of view

•• RMRS Filter SpectrometerRMRS Filter Spectrometer–– 6 channel: 2.44, 4.04, 5.29,7.35,10.6 6 channel: 2.44, 4.04, 5.29,7.35,10.6 µµm m

+ wideband (0.2 + wideband (0.2 -- 30 30 µµm)m)–– 1010oo field of viewfield of view

StefStef VanGordenVanGorden beating the beating the spectrometer into submissionspectrometer into submission

BURN

TOLEARN

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Fighting Wildfire with High Technology