FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System) is a NASA-operated platform that distributes near real-time active fire data from satellite observations, enabling rapid wildfire detection and monitoring for decision-makers worldwide.
Developed as part of NASA's Land, Atmosphere Near real-time Capability for EO (LANCE), FIRMS uses data from MODIS (Terra and Aqua satellites) and VIIRS (S-NPP, NOAA-20, and NOAA-21 satellites) to detect active fires and thermal anomalies globally within 3 hours of satellite observation (real-time for US and Canada).
Whether you're involved in wildfire response, forest management, air quality monitoring, or research, FIRMS provides essential satellite-based fire intelligence for informed decision-making.
1. Near Real-Time Fire Detection
FIRMS provides rapid fire detection using advanced satellite sensors:
MODIS Fire Detection:
- Terra and Aqua satellite observations
- 1-kilometer resolution fire detection
- Daily global coverage with multiple passes
- Mature algorithm with extensive validation
VIIRS Fire Detection:
- 375-meter resolution for detailed fire mapping
- Day and night fire detection capabilities
- Enhanced sensitivity to smaller fires
- Improved accuracy in complex terrain
2. Multiple Data Access Methods
FIRMS offers flexible data access to meet different user needs:
Interactive Fire Maps:
- Global Fire Map for worldwide monitoring
- US & Canada Fire Map with real-time updates
- NASA Worldview integration
- Customizable layers and time controls
Data Downloads:
- Shapefile (SHP) for GIS applications
- Text (TXT) format for analysis
- KML for Google Earth visualization
- Archived data downloads for historical analysis
Web Services:
- Real-time feeds for automated systems
- API access for application integration
- Email alerts for specific areas of interest
3. Fire Alerts and Monitoring
FIRMS provides customizable alert systems for proactive monitoring:
- Geographic boundaries for alert areas
- Email notifications for new fire detections
- Customizable frequency and thresholds
- Mobile-friendly alert delivery
- Integration with emergency response systems
4. Educational and Training Resources
FIRMS supports capacity building through comprehensive resources:
Fire Data Academy:
- Google Colab and Jupyter Notebook tutorials
- Python programming examples
- Data analysis techniques
- Visualization methods
Training Materials:
- ARSET webinar series (including Spanish)
- User tutorials and documentation
- Best practices for fire data interpretation
- FAQ resources for common questions
5. Applications Across Sectors
FIRMS data supports diverse applications:
Emergency Response:
- Real-time wildfire detection and monitoring
- Resource deployment planning
- Evacuation decision support
- Incident management coordination
Forest Management:
- Prescribed burn monitoring
- Fire behavior analysis
- Fuel load assessment
- Post-fire recovery tracking
Air Quality Monitoring:
- Smoke forecasting and tracking
- Health advisory support
- Atmospheric research
- Climate impact studies
Getting Started with FIRMS
- Visit the FIRMS website at firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov
- Explore fire maps for your region of interest
- Set up fire alerts for specific areas
- Download data in preferred formats
- Access tutorials to maximize data utility
- Join the mailing list for updates and announcements
Use Cases
- Wildfire Response: Real-time fire detection for emergency management
- Forest Monitoring: Track fire activity across managed landscapes
- Research Applications: Analyze fire patterns and climate relationships
- Air Quality Management: Monitor smoke sources and dispersion
- Agricultural Monitoring: Detect fires in crop and grazing areas
- Insurance Applications: Assess fire risk and damage for claims
FIRMS democratizes access to critical fire information, empowering users worldwide to respond effectively to wildfire threats and understand fire's role in Earth's changing climate system.
