Researchers Design Satellite to Detect Wildfires - A Step Toward the Holy Grail of Firefighter Safety?

This new satellite technology will change the game for firefighting: 

From the Source: 

"This proposed satellite, called FUEGO – Fire Urgency Estimator in Geosynchronous Orbit, would survey the entire western United States every two minutes or less and could detect a fire that is about 10 feet in diameter. Assuming that the data from the satellite could be transmitted to the appropriate dispatch center within a minute or two, this could be a major step toward keeping fires small… IF the fire agencies have the appropriate initial attack policies in place and an adequate number of firefighting resources, both ground and air-based, to respond and arrive at the fire within the first 10 to 30 minutes."

Above: "Artist’s concept for FUEGO on orbit (FUEGO Concept Art by R. E. Lafever, LBNL)"

Australia Bush Fire Crisis Eases, But Firefighters Warn Fight Isn't Over

"Aggressive firefighter and high-risk strategies" proving successful for fighting bush fires in Australia. Cooperation from local communities has also helped the cause. 

From the Source:

"A combination of high winds and temperatures Wednesday had fueled fears the bush fires burning across a 1,000-mile stretch of New South Wales would spread even farther.

But thanks to fire crews' "extraordinary" work, helped out by some unexpected light rain overnight, the worst of the danger has been avoided, said Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.

He praised firefighters for their skill and use of "aggressive and high-risk strategies" that included "backburning" operations -- fires begun by emergency crews to reduce potential tinder for the wildfires to feed on -- and thanked local communities for following instructions to keep them safe." 

Above: New South Wales Rural Fire Service crews mop up an area after stopping a fire in Bilpin in the Blue Mountains of Australia on October 23. 

Large Brush Fire Still Smoldering on Schofield Barracks

From the Source:

"U.S. Army Wildland fire crews, the Honolulu Fire Department and crews from the marines battled a brush fire at a training range on Schofield Barracks Wednesday.

The fire started Tuesday due to the rekindling of a fire in the same area that began October 15. The original blaze was 100 percent contained Sunday evening with no visible smoke or hot spots, the military said." 

Photo Credit: Christina Rainwater

New South Wales Communities Band Together After Bushfire Disasters

From the Source:

"Severe bushfires have destroyed more than 200 properties and damaged 37,000 hectares of land in New South Wales since Thursday.

Whilst dozens of people have lost their homes, many others are reaching out to those affected, as well as emergency services currently working against the blazes.

Charity organisations, local businesses, wildlife rescue teams and members of the community are among those who have shown their support."

Above: "Alecia Newton and Mairead Sheehy busking on Springwood's shopping strip, Macquarie Street on October 20, 2013, to raise money for those who have lost homes in the fire."

Second Wildfire Discovered Near Keanakolu

From the Source:

"State fire crews working this weekend to mop-up a fire in a remote section of the Hilo Forest Reserve near Keanakolu found another small fire below a fenced unit on the Humuula Trail. The combined size of both fires is 3 acres. 

However, because the grass was green in the new area there was not a clean burn. As it dries out, it is re-igniting and burning, due to the high organic content in the soil."

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