Computer Simulation Modelling

Modelling bushfire spread improves decision-making in critical scenarios. This project developed reliable bushfire spread  simulation and animation technology to 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 are 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.

Led by Professor George Milne of the University of Western Australia, this model is being used by the Fire and Emergency Services Authority and that state’s Landgate agency as part of its state alerting system and was a main feature of a successful Digital Regions initiative grant.