The NCLFA’s Fire Intelligence Module (FIM) installs remote monitoring devices such as network-enabled surveillance cameras, weather stations and long-distance data and communication networks on active wildfires to give fire managers real-time access to fire information. Since 2004, the FIM has been deployed nearly a dozen times to provide fire surveillance and network connections to numerous fires. These fire complexes have crossed jurisdictional boundaries, presented a variety of terrain challenges, and have had varying surveillance and network needs. Operational assignments of the FIM include:

Freezeout Fire — Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Selway-Salmon WFU Complex — Bitterroot National Forest
Horseshoe WFU — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Middle Fork Complex — Salmon-Challis National Forest,
Tolo and Domke Lake Complex — North Cascades National Park and Wenatchee National Forest
Conger Fire — Lolo National Forest
Langille Fire — Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Storm Complex — Clearwater-Nez Perce National Forest
Nowlin Fire — Bridger-Teton National Forest

The FIM has also installed several semi-permanent networks, including in Denali National Park and Preserve and the Clearwater-Nez Perce National Forest.

The FIM is made up of scientists and technicians with extensive fire experience, fire qualifications, and active red cards. Past successes of the FIM include: development of cost-effective remote monitoring strategies for inaccessible fires via wireless-enabled video, operational infrared aerial mapping support, ad hoc field computer systems administration, development of data management strategies linking field personnel with ICP, GIST course development, work-force training in field-enabled GIS, GPS and related technologies, and public information and educational activities.

Read more about the FIM's activities:

Quest for Fire   [ 15.93 MB ]
An overview of the Fire Intelligence Module, from Vision magazine, a publication of the University of Montana University Relations department

FIM Accomplishments (pdf)

FIM Factsheet (pdf)