Project Leader George Milne, University of Western Australia

Modelling bushfire spread improves decision–making in critical scenarios. This project will develop more reliable bushfire spread  simulation and animation technology to underpin and support a wide range of fire management activities, including risk analysis, prescribed burning, wildfire suppression and incident control training. 

A computer-based environment permits rapid and repeatable execution of bushfire simulations under a wide range of conditions, assisting with real-time decisions and “what if” scenarios.  Simulations will be based on the latest understanding of fire behaviour captured within a computer model. Simulations inform predictions of fire behaviour and the effectiveness of containment strategies.  They also increase understanding of the non-linear scaling found in extreme fire behaviour, as seen in Canberra in January 2003.

Outcomes include an improved computer–based simulation environment for training purposes utilising a high–performance visual display and useable interface that will enhance the effectiveness of fire agency training.