Learn more about Possible Fire Ignitions
- Disaster Science
- Bushfire.io pro
- February 28, 2025
Table of Contents
Possible Fire Ignitions merges real-time lightning data with satellite-detected thermal hotspots.
Info
Requires a subscription to Bushfire.io Pro, Business or Enterprise.
What are Possible Fire Ignitions?
It is a Bushfire.io Pro feature that merges real-time lightning data with satellite-detected thermal hotspots. The system combines these two datasets with machine learning to find early signs of possible fire ignitions. This makes faster and more focused responses possible.
How do I use this feature?
You need a Bushfire.io Pro subscription. Then turn on the “Possible Fire Ignition” layer in the Layer Control. This layer shows the fire ignition data on your map, so that you can see and track possible threats.
What does the icon look like?
The Possible Fire Ignitions icon is easy to identify on the map, so that you can quickly recognise areas of possible risk.
How fast is the detection process?
Lightning strikes: Detected in real time, seconds after they occur.
Satellite imagery: Satellites like Himawari update every 10 minutes. However, full disk scans take about 10 minutes, and transferring the HRIT data takes another 5 to 7 minutes.
Processing: Our system processes this data in a few seconds, so the full detection cycle stays fast.
Which data sources are used?
Our system combines several data sources:
Lightning Data: Real-time lightning strike data from WeatherZone.
Satellite Imagery: Includes geostationary satellites (e.g., Himawari) and sun-synchronous satellites (e.g., NOAA-20, NOAA-21, Suomi NPP) to rapidly capture thermal hotspots.
Additional Intelligence: We combine other datasets and analysis techniques to improve detection accuracy.
How does the system manage accuracy and false positives?
Merging lightning and hotspot data reduces false positives significantly. The predictive model narrows millions of raw data points down to a small set of possible ignitions that you can act on. Each detection still includes a disclaimer. The disclaimer reminds users to verify detections independently, because this is an experimental approach that we continue to refine.
What information is included in each detection report?
Each detection report includes:
Timestamps: Detailed records of when the lightning strike occurred, when the hotspot was detected, and the processing time.
Event Metrics: Data such as the interval from lightning strike to hotspot detection, number of pulses, and detected amperage.
Contextual Data: Information on nearby incidents, hotspots, and ground strikes.
Method and Source: Identification of the detection method (e.g., Ignition v1) and confirmation that it was detected by Bushfire.io.
Disclaimer: A note indicating that the predictive model’s output should be independently verified.
How are notifications handled for Pro users?
Bushfire.io Pro users can set up their own notifications to get alerts quickly. Notification options include:
Push Notifications
Email Alerts
SMS Messages
Enterprise Webhooks
These options help users, from land managers to emergency services, mobilise resources quickly when a possible ignition is detected.
What is the significance of integrating lightning and hotspot data?
By combining these two datasets, the system:
Improves Early Warning: Reduces the blind spots of lightning data or satellite imagery alone, so that new fire threats are identified faster.
Improves Operational Efficiency: Reduces large amounts of raw data to a small, focused set of results, for faster decisions in critical moments.
Who can benefit from this feature?
Possible Fire Ignitions supports a wide range of users, including:
Farmers and landowners
Fire agencies and emergency services
Businesses with assets at risk
Academic and research institutions (see below for academic access)
Is this information available for academic institutions?
Yes, academic institutions can access this information. Please reach out to us at [email protected].
Is it available for businesses and agencies?
Yes, businesses and agencies can also access this information. Please contact us at [email protected].
How do I access or learn more about Possible Fire Ignitions?
Possible Fire Ignitions is available to Bushfire.io Pro, Business and Enterprise subscribers. To upgrade or learn more, visit Bushfire.io Plans or contact us directly at [email protected].
