This Bushfire CRC project is developing an advanced software program that will help fire managers fight bushfires faster and more effectively, while also identifying communities most at risk from fire. The research team explains the early stages of this research in this video.
Modelling investigation of lofting phenomena and wind variability
This project is made up of two parts that complement and add to the work being undertaken by the CSIRO Team.
Part 1 of this work
It is recognised that broad fire fronts generally propagate more rapidly than narrow “linear” fires. Atmospheric conditions with high wind direction variability are important because they contribute to the broadening of fire fronts. This component investigates boundary layer structures in high resolution ACCESS data conducive to high wind direction variability, and aims to recommend ways to improve forecasting of these phenomena.
Part 2 of this work
There is anecdotal evidence that fire brand transport is more extensive in complex terrain. This implies that updrafts may be more intense or more numerous in such terrain, leading to greater lofting and downstream transport of firebrands. In this component at least two of the most likely causes of enhanced updrafts will be investigated in high resolution ACCESS data to confirm whether they are likely to contribute to enhanced firebrand transport. If confirmed the study outcomes will aim to recommend techniques for improving the forecasting of these phenomena.