ABSTRACT
Holdover forest fires, whether lightning or man caused, are a serious concern throughout the forested regions of Alberta, North America, and indeed anywhere in the world where the forest resource is considered of value and subject to forest fire. There are many infrared devices in the marketplace today with the capability of being very effective fire detectors. The Alberta Forest Service has developed and applied infrared techniques in a nondestructive role as a primary component of fire operations since the spring of 1976. The applications and projects that infrared is used for in forestry have not changed over the years. In areas with available road access, forest rangers use a hand-held scanner by walking those portions where holdovers are suspected. The use of infrared technology in forest fire detection and suppression has proved to be a vital and integral component in overall fire suppression strategy and planning.
