‘Every second counts’: BC Wildfire Service to use new technology to track fire growth, behaviour

The Province says that BC Wildfire Service will be using new technology in 2024 to better track fire growth and behaviour.

According to the Ministry of Forests, the new technology can produce real-time wildfire behaviour predictions and incorporate information directly from the field.

It will first roll out in the Coastal and Kamloops Fire Centres this season, where it has already been trialed.

Following refinements and staff training, the remaining four regional fire centres will phase in the technology throughout 2024.

The wildfire growth modelling works by using data from weather models, topography and fuel maps. It has the ability to use existing geospatial data and fuel maps, but also uses an app-based interface to allow for on-the-ground inputs in real time.

The modelling also includes an interface for field staff, operational decision-makers and fire behaviour specialists “who each have a unique role to play in forecasting, resource planning and fighting wildfires.”

Greg Boyachuk, senior wildfire officer of operations for the Coastal Fire Centre, explains how the software makes a difference.

In August 2023, the Coastal Fire Centre experienced a major lightning event across most of the region resulting in over 110 new wildfires in four days.

Boyachuk says that during trials, it was able to significantly reduce the time it took them to predict fire spread, enabling them to effectively and quickly triage their response.

“With the support of a fire behaviour specialist using the trial software, we were able to triage the new starts as they were discovered. The software was able to produce a predicted 12-hour fire spread for each new incident in less than 15 minutes, compared to a previous manual process which could take up to several hours for each incident,” he said.

“That allowed us to identify which wildfires were a priority for initial attack resources based on their potential to spread and threaten communities. As an operational decision-maker, I am thrilled we are investing in broader use of this technology and look forward to more learning."

The ministry notes that the technology doesn’t replace the experience and skills of their BC Wildfire Service staff, but provides added intelligence to give people more time to act during an emergency.

Other jurisdictions with severe wildfire seasons like California and Australia have already been using the modelling tool, and were able to help BC operationalize it faster.

"The availability of a common operating picture when facing rapidly evolving emergencies can be the difference between life and death," said Thom Porter, task force member and former director of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

"I've experienced first-hand the power of technology to transform the way response organizations work together to reduce impacts to communities and natural values. British Columbia's investment in predictive technologies and sharing information among responders is an investment that will save lives, property and the environment in 2024 and beyond."

The Province is looking to add other tools such as drones for aerial ignitions, infrared scanning for hazard assessments, and 5G technology for more sensor networks used to monitor forest conditions.

Nearly $16 million has been invested ahead of April 2024 to expand BC Wildfire Service’s on-the-ground firefighting equipment, including pumps, fire camp equipment, safety gear, and medical and hygiene equipment.

Additional investments have been made, including two mass water-delivery systems, that can be used for fire suppression and flood operations.

The BC Wildfire Service is also taking action to improve firefighter safety, including better testing of carbon monoxide exposure and respiratory protective equipment.

"As the impacts of climate change evolve, so too must our ability to manage the threat of wildfires in our communities," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests.

"During a wildfire, every second counts as wildfire professionals deploy aircraft and firefighters to tackle blazes. By adding more technology to the BC Wildfire Service's tool kit, our talented firefighters will be able to make critical decisions faster when it matters most."