USE OF REAL-TIME MULTISATELLITE AND RADAR DATA TO SUPPORT FOREST-FIREMANAGEMENT

Combined digital data from multiple satellites and Doppler radar can p rovide fire weather meteorologists and resource managers with accurate information on forest fire location, intensity, growth, smoke plumes, and associated mesoscale weather. An integrated application using rea l-time satellite and radar is described for the Miller's Reach forest fire that occurred in south-central Alaska in June 1996. Generated dat a and products were made available immediately on-scene via point-to-p oint high-speed portable satellite communications. This fire consumed over 15 000 ha and destroyed 344 structures.