Remote sensing in forest fire forecasting

Abstract

This paper presents a method for water stress monitoring and flammability of mediterranean forests using NOAA-AVHRR satellite thermal infrared (actual evapotranspiration LE) and synoptic meteorological data (potential evapotranspiration Lep). A stress index (1-LE/LEp) can be daily calculated. The results of this method, tested during Summer 1994, several large forested areas of the French mediterranean region, show that stress index completes current meteorological fire risk indexes. Furthermore, NOAA images provide a location of water stressed areas, where most of the fires broke out. This method should supply end-users with a tool to better adapt and locate their fire-prevention and fire-fighting organisation.