Wildfires are becoming an increasing threat, especially in areas prone to dry conditions and extreme weather. Knowing your risk level and how to assess it is crucial for taking proactive steps in protecting your home and loved ones. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best wildfire risk assessment tools available today, helping you stay informed and prepared for the unpredictable. Whether you’re a homeowner or a first responder, these tools can give you the insights you need to make informed decisions and minimize the impact of wildfires.
1. FlyPix AI
At FlyPix, we specialize in AI-powered geospatial solutions designed to enhance the efficiency of data analysis. Our platform enables the rapid detection of objects within geospatial imagery, making it ideal for industries such as agriculture, government, and risk management. We focus on creating scalable, customizable solutions that streamline the process of analyzing large datasets, saving both time and resources.
Our AI models are adaptable, capable of being trained to recognize specific objects in imagery, making FlyPix a versatile tool for various applications. Whether you’re working with satellite or aerial imagery, our platform allows for quick extraction of actionable insights, which can be critical in decision-making processes.
As we continue to innovate, we aim to provide powerful tools that empower teams and organizations to collaborate more effectively. With FlyPix, we are committed to offering user-friendly solutions that simplify complex data analysis tasks while ensuring high-quality results.
Key Highlights:
- AI-driven geospatial analysis for object detection and mapping.
- Customizable AI model training to detect specific objects.
- Scalable solutions for a range of industries, including government, agriculture, and risk management.
Services:
- Geospatial analysis and object detection.
- Custom AI model creation and training.
- Collaboration tools for data sharing and team management.
- Advanced features such as multispectral data processing.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: flypix.ai
- Email: info@flypix.ai
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/flypix-ai
- Address: Robert-Bosch-Str. 7, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Phone: +49 6151 2776497
2. Adaptation Clearinghouse
Adaptation Clearinghouse is a comprehensive platform that supports decision-makers by providing access to resources on climate adaptation. It serves as a centralized hub, offering information about adaptation plans, strategies, and case studies to help communities prepare for and respond to climate change. The Clearinghouse allows users to search for relevant materials based on geographic location, sector, and adaptation strategy, ensuring that users can find the information most relevant to their needs.
By offering access to a wide range of tools and resources, the Adaptation Clearinghouse aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, helping them share knowledge and experience to better address the impacts of climate change. The platform plays an essential role in building resilience and guiding sustainable development practices.
Key Highlights:
- A centralized hub for climate adaptation resources.
- Access to case studies, plans, and strategies.
- Customizable search filters for location, sector, and strategy.
Services:
- Climate adaptation case studies.
- Access to climate adaptation plans and resources.
- Tools for decision-making and collaboration.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.adaptationclearinghouse.org
3. NASA FIRMS
NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) provides near real-time active fire data using satellite observations from MODIS and VIIRS instruments. This data is crucial for monitoring wildfires globally, with information typically available within three hours of satellite observation. FIRMS is used by various organizations for fire management and response, providing both real-time and archived fire data through multiple formats such as KML and SHP.
The system is designed to support decision-making in fire-prone areas, helping to improve management strategies. FIRMS also facilitates data sharing through web services, email alerts, and online maps.
Key Highlights:
- Provides near real-time active fire data.
- Global coverage with a focus on US and Canada for real-time alerts.
- Data available in multiple formats: KML, SHP, TXT, WMS.
Services:
- Real-time fire data and alerts.
- Downloadable active fire data and satellite imagery.
- Web services for fire data integration.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov
4. Fire Behavior Assessment Team (FBAT)
The Fire Behavior Assessment Team (FBAT) is a specialized unit designed to support wildland fire management efforts by providing valuable data on fire behavior, effects, and fuel conditions. FBAT works in close coordination with other fire management entities to gather, analyze, and archive critical fire data. This data supports both ongoing and post-incident decision-making, aiming to improve fire management strategies across various fire scenarios.
FBAT’s work includes supporting strategic goals by fostering a better understanding of fire dynamics, conducting research, and offering training resources for professionals in the field. The team is mobilized through the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) and collaborates closely with the USDA Forest Service and other partners.
Key Highlights:
- Supports wildland fire and prescribed fire management.
- Provides detailed fire behavior and fuel data.
- Collaborates with the USDA Forest Service and other entities.
Services:
- Data collection on fire behavior, fuels, and effects.
- Special project support upon request.
- Training, safety, and research outreach.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.frames.gov
- E-mail: matthew.b.dickinson@usda.gov
5. Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS)
The Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) is a comprehensive, web-based tool designed to assist fire managers and analysts in making strategic and tactical decisions during wildland fire incidents. The system integrates various applications used for fire modeling and decision documentation into a single platform, streamlining the analysis and reporting process. WFDSS allows users to incorporate economic principles into their fire management strategies, ensuring better-informed decisions.
WFDSS supports fire managers by providing accurate documentation and allowing for easy sharing of analyses and reports across all levels of federal wildland fire organizations. It has replaced previous systems like the Wildland Fire Situation Analysis (WFSA) and Wildland Fire Implementation Plan (WFIP) processes with a more intuitive, scalable system.
Key Highlights:
- Combines multiple desktop applications for fire modeling into a web-based system.
- Allows for attachment of analysis results to decision points, aiding in final incident reports.
- Supports all types of wildland fire management decisions with a single process.
- Integrates economic principles to inform fire management decisions.
Services:
- Wildland fire analysis and decision documentation.
- Fire behavior modeling and risk-informed decision-making.
- Data sharing and report generation for federal wildland fire management.
- Transition support to new system versions (e.g., WFDSS NextGen).
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: wfdss.usgs.gov
6. European Geosciences Union (EGU)
The European Geosciences Union (EGU) is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting geosciences and fostering communication between scientists, policy makers, and the public. The EGU organizes annual assemblies that bring together experts to discuss the latest developments in geoscience research. It also provides a platform for the dissemination of scientific knowledge through publications and various outreach programs.
EGU plays a key role in advancing scientific understanding in disciplines such as climate science, hydrology, and seismology, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration among its members. Its commitment to education and policy engagement ensures that geoscientific knowledge influences societal decision-making processes.
Key Highlights:
- Annual General Assembly for global scientific discussions
- Commitment to open access scientific publishing
- Focus on public outreach and science communication
- Support for early career scientists and mentoring programs
Services:
- Conferences and workshops
- Scientific publications and journals
- Educational resources for students and educators
- Public engagement initiatives
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.egu.eu
- E-mail: info@egu.eu
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/EuropeanGeosciencesUnion
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/european-geosciences-union
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eurogeosciences
- Address: EGU – European Geosciences Union e.V. Philippe Courtial Kastenbauerstr. 2 81677 Munich Germany
- Phone: +49-89-2050-76300
7. Watch Duty
Watch Duty is a nonprofit organization focused on providing real-time wildfire information. It aims to keep individuals and communities informed about wildfire conditions through a comprehensive wildfire map, alerts, and status updates. Watch Duty works with a team of over 150 volunteers, including firefighters and dispatchers, to monitor official sources such as radio scanners and satellite imagery to send accurate and timely updates to the public. This service helps residents stay informed about active wildfires, prescribed burns, evacuation orders, and more.
Watch Duty’s services include tracking firefighting aircraft, air quality monitoring, and consolidating crucial information such as power outages and red flag warnings. It also allows users to submit photos to assist first responders and the public in identifying hazards during wildfires. The organization currently monitors fire activity in over 22 states, making it an important resource for wildfire alerts and tracking.
Key Highlights:
- Real-time wildfire maps and alerts
- Coverage in over 22 states
- Collaboration with over 150 volunteers, including first responders
- Air quality and wind direction monitoring
- Tracking of active fire perimeters using satellite data
- Evacuation orders and shelter information
Services:
- Wildfire map and alert notifications
- Flight tracking for firefighting aircraft
- Monitoring of prescribed burns
- Consolidated fire-related information
- Community photo submissions for fire conditions
- Tracking of active fire progress
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.watchduty.org
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/watchdutyapp
- Twitter: www.x.com/watchdutyapp
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/watch-duty
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/watchdutyapp
- Address: Sherwood Forestry Service, Inc 422 Larkfield Center #423 Santa Rosa, CA 95403
8. Wildfire Risk to Communities
Wildfire Risk to Communities is a resource aimed at helping communities understand and manage their wildfire risks. Created by the USDA Forest Service, it offers interactive tools such as maps and charts to explore wildfire risk levels. The website, which was first launched in 2020 and updated in 2024, serves community leaders, including officials and fire managers, to better plan and reduce fire risks.
Key Highlights:
- Free, user-friendly platform
- Interactive maps and charts
- Updated tools and resources
Services:
- Wildfire risk assessment tools
- Interactive data exploration
- Community planning resources
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: wildfirerisk.org
9. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Clearinghouse
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment Clearinghouse provides data, tools, and information for understanding and assessing wildfire hazards and risks across the United States. It is part of a broader effort to enhance fire management strategies by utilizing scientific data. This platform offers a central hub for accessing geospatial data on wildfire hazards, helping stakeholders, including land managers and researchers, make informed decisions regarding wildfire risk.
Through this clearinghouse, users can access a variety of resources, including datasets, analysis tools, and technical documents aimed at improving wildfire risk assessments. The platform supports fire-related research and risk modeling efforts, allowing for more effective wildfire management and prevention strategies.
Key Highlights:
- Provides access to geospatial data and wildfire risk assessment tools.
- Aims to improve fire management through enhanced data usage.
- Serves a broad community of researchers, fire managers, and policymakers.
Services:
- Wildfire risk assessment tools.
- Access to geospatial wildfire data.
- Resources for fire management and planning.
- Technical reports and scientific data on wildfire hazards.
Contact and Social Media Information:
- Website: www.usgs.gov
- E-mail: usgsstore@usgs.gov
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/USGeologicalSurvey
- Twitter:www.x.com/USGS
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/usgs
- Phone: 1-888-275-8747
Conclusion
In conclusion, using reliable wildfire risk assessment tools is essential for staying prepared against the increasing threat of wildfires. By leveraging geospatial data, risk models, and real-time information, these tools can help communities, land managers, and individuals better understand their exposure to fire risks. Staying informed and proactive is key to minimizing damage and improving safety in wildfire-prone areas. Explore the available platforms to find the best solution tailored to your needs and stay ahead of the potential risks.