![]() 'These are very useful in remote areas or areas which are especially at risk. 'The technologies we have available can detect automatically when a fire has already started. He said: 'In the UK nearly all vegetation fires are started by human activity, accidental or on purpose, and this is unpredictable. ![]() However, Professor Doerr thinks the common causes of wildfires renders these forecasting tools less effective in Britain. US-based Descartes Labs and OroraTech in Germany search for telltale signs of a fire, like smoke or changes in thermal infrared data, in satellite images of problem areas every few minutes.Īlgorithms trained to look for different properties of a wildfire are then run and, if one is detected, its coordinates are sent to fire officials. Some companies are developing artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can spot blazes at their very early stages using satellite images. Temperatures hit an unprecedented 40.2☌ (104.4☏) at London Heathrow Airport at 12.50pm on July 19 2022– Britain's hottest day in recorded historyĪ common problem with wildfires is that, by the time they have been detected, they have already spread widely and are causing significant destruction. 'But from a vegetation perspective, the heathlands and grasslands of Wales and Scotland are most at risk due to their extensive nature.' He said: 'From a climate perspective the south east is more affected as that is where it is warmest and driest. The wildland fire science expert also predicted which areas of the UK will have the highest risk of wildfires. 'Their effects on wildlife and fauna may last from a few months to many years.' 'Elsewhere they may also have some benefits by generating ecological niches, but are generally detrimental to the environment. 'Where fires are natural part of the ecosystem, for example in western USA, southeast Australia and African savannas, they maintain ecosystem diversity unless they are too frequent, too large or too severe. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Professor Doerr said: 'Vegetation fires destroy crops, lead to loss of carbon stored in the soil and peatlands, the loss of vegetation can promote erosion and landslides during heavy rains, and the ash from wildfires can contaminate rivers and drinking water reservoirs. Wildfires are likely to come with them, and pose a major threat to life as well as buildings and infrastructure. Researchers have warned that 104☏ (40☌) temperatures won't be out of the ordinary within the next three decades, and heatwaves will become more common. The London Fire Brigade declared a 'major incident' in response to a huge surge in fires across the capital, and recorded its busiest day since the Second World War. Last week wildfires started all across southern Europe including in Spain, Italy, France and the UK. Why do we need to prevent wildfires in the UK? Wildfire expert Professor Stefan Doerr said that Fire and Rescue Services should be trained how to tackle wildfires specifically to help the UK prepare for future blazes (stock image) He revealed that while wildfires are more difficult to predict here, as they are largely ignited by humans, there is more that can be done to prevent them. MailOnline asked Professor Stefan Doerr, a professor of wildland fire science at Swansea University, whether any of these technologies could be implemented in the UK. These include computer models that plot potential fire paths, water-dropping drones and autonomous robots that can detect fire sources and spray water. Meanwhile, scientists and engineers have developed a range of new technologies that can help predict and tackle these devastating blazes. This is widely agreed to be the leading cause of the recent spate of wildfires, as rising temperatures evaporate more moisture from the ground, drying out the soil and making vegetation more flammable if sparked. Global experts are urging countries to reach their net-zero targets and halt climate change. They warned the public that wildfires are likely to break out every three years, and that the destruction of homes should be a 'wake-up call' to the country. Britain recorded its hottest day on record last Tuesday, sparking a series of wildfires across the UK.įirefighters in London described the blazes tearing through homes and buildings as 'absolute hell' after receiving 1,600 calls for assistance.
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