ABSTRACT

Forest žre is an important natural process of global ecosystems. While wildžres are usually natural hazards impacting environment, air quality, public health, and human properties, prescribed burning is an effective approach for land management to maintain ecosystem health, control invasive species, and reduce the risk of potential large wildžres. According to žre activity statistics from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC 2011), in the year 2009 alone, there were 78,792 wildžres, 5,921,786 acres was burned, and 12,429 prescribed žres were reported. A summary of the number of wildžres and area burned during the past 25 years in the United States can be shown in Figure 19.1. Comparing the last 10 years with previous years,

19.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 457 19.2 Active Fire Detection .................................................................................... 459

19.2.1 Physical Principle ............................................................................. 459 19.2.2 Major Sensors, Algorithms, and Products for Forest Fire Detection ..... 460

19.2.2.1 AVHRR ..............................................................................460 19.2.2.2 GOES ................................................................................. 461 19.2.2.3 MODIS ............................................................................... 462

19.2.3 Major Operational Systems for Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring ........................................................................................463 19.2.3.1 NOAA Hazard Mapping System (HMS) ...........................463 19.2.3.2 MODIS Rapid Response System .......................................463 19.2.3.3 USFS Active Fire Mapping Program .................................464