Active Fires from NASA/FIRMS

The Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), utilizes satellite observations to detect active fires and thermal anomalies. This critical information is delivered to decision-makers in near real-time, typically within three hours of the satellite observation.

This dataset consolidates active fire data across multiple rolling timeframes, specifically offering views of the last 24, 48, and 72 hours. Key technical details include:

• Spatial Resolution: Each data point represents the center of a high-resolution 375 m pixel where a fire or thermal anomaly was detected.
• Update Frequency: The data is refreshed twice daily to ensure the most current ground conditions are represented.

Compared to legacy satellite fire detection products with coarser resolutions (≥ 1km), this 375 m dataset offers significant operational advantages:

• Enhanced Detection Capabilities: Delivers improved responsiveness for detecting smaller fires, as well as significantly better detection at night when fire activities frequently occur.
• Precise Perimeter Mapping: Provides higher fidelity and accuracy when mapping the perimeters of large fires.
• Primary Uses: The data is highly suited for supporting active fire tracking and management (e.g., feeding near real-time alert systems), alongside broader scientific applications that require precise fire mapping fidelity.