Estimation of Byram’s Fire Intensity and Rate of Spread from Spaceborne Remote Sensing Data in a Savanna Landscape

Fire behavior is well described by a fire’s direction, rate of spread, and its energy release rate. intensity as defined Byram (1959) the most commonly used term describing fire in wildfire community. It is, however, difficult to observe from space. Here, we assess spread radiative power using infrared sensors with different spatial, spectral temporal resolutions. The offer either high spatial resolution (Sentinel-2) for detection, but low resolution, moderate daily observations (VIIRS), retrievals (Meteosat SEVIRI). We extracted fronts Sentinel-2 (using shortwave bands) use available products S-NPP VIIRS Meteosat SEVIRI. Rate was analyzed measuring displacement between mid-morning overpasses early afternoon overpasses. retrieved FRP 15-min SEVIRI estimated total over observed fronts. This then converted fuel consumption, and, making Sentinel-2-derived burned area, consumption per unit area. Using Byram’s could be derived. tested this approach on small number fires frequently burning West African savanna landscape. Comparison field experiments area showed similar numbers remote-sensing-derived estimates. To authors’ knowledge, first direct estimate spaceborne remote sensing data. Shortcomings presented approach, foundations an error budget, potential further development, also considering upcoming sensor systems, are discussed.