Bushfire BLOCKS: a modular agent-based simulation

Bushfire BLOCKS is a modular, distributed, agent-based simulation for exploring and informing bushfire response strategies. Separate independent modules capture the fire spread, evacuation of traffic and human behaviour such as the decision whether to remain at property. These modules have been developed largely independently, using paradigms and data models appropriate to their individual purpose. Modules are integrated into a single global simulation via central services for managing time advancement and access to shared variables. Execution is distributed, with modules running on different machines, whilst a custom interface enables viewing and control from one screen. The underlying architecture of this system facilitates extension of individual modules and addition of new modules, with limited alteration to other modules.