Future fire modelling research needs to bridge the gap between fire danger prediction systems based on the science of the 1950’s and 60’s to one that exploits current research, technology and conditions.
This cluster of projects is addressing this gap, through enhancing our ability to:
monitor the landscape, such as remotely sensing the amount of fuel in the, the nature of that fuel, and its flammability;
understand how fire propagates through the landscape and the condition in which that propagation can become extreme; and
the science underpinning a new national fire danger rating system and the national capability to support bushfire predictive services;
the ability to deliver better warnings to the community prior to and during bushfires;
the ability to predict fire behaviour and hence inform decisions on deployment of firefighting resources, while at the same time trying to ensure the safety of firefighters;
the ability to mitigate the threat of bushfires through more effective prescribed burning.
The ability to understand, predict, forecast and monitor bushfire is fundamental to improving resilience through better planning, preparedness, risk management and response.
The AFAC Bushfire Predictive Services Group acts as an end-user panel for this cluster of projects, ensuring that the research outcomes are effectively transitioned into operations and training.