An Applied Step In Forest Fire Spread Modelling

We report in this paper on an experiment in implementing a fire spread modelling system specifically dedicated to fire-fighting activities. First, the corresponding operational framework is introduced. In particular, we stress the importance of time constraints. Then, forest fire modelling techniques as well as some considerations related to our experience and feedback on this issue are briefly tackled. Then, we bring in a model which appears as a mix between the shape approach and raster based models. This one involves both a raster representation of the landscape and an elliptical shape based approach. We conclude on the fact that the corresponding software system calculates fire contours which are correlated with actual ones provided the basic local rates of spread are accurately estimated.