Can we use AI to better predict fires?

Publicly released:
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; QLD
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Kiwi and Aussie researchers say they have developed a machine learning model that should help predict fires based on real-time weather data. The team trained their system on data from an area of the Sunshine Coast that covered a period of 15 years. They say the model was 47% better at predictions than the standard fire danger index for the region, and when simulating real forecasting conditions, it was able to anticipate 75% of the fires. The team say their system could help identify areas at risk of fires from weather patterns occurring hours to days before they happen.

Journal/
conference:
International Journal of Wildland Fire
Research:Paper
Organisation/s: Western Sydney University, University of Canterbury
Funder: No specific funding was received for this study.
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