A collaborative effort involving three Canadian government departments— the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Natural Resources Canada (NRC), and Environment and Climate Change (ECC) Canada—has unveiled “WildFireSat,” an ambitious mission to enhance wildfire monitoring across Canada. The project aims to launch satellites into space in 2029, providing real-time and detailed updates on all wildfires burning in the country.
Funded with approximately $169.9 million from the 2022 budget, WildFireSat seeks to close critical information gaps regarding wildfires. Currently, there are no satellites capable of monitoring wildfires during their peak burning period in the mid to late afternoon. Using infrared sensors, the satellites planned for WildFireSat will measure the energy emitted by these blazes, known as fire radiative power.
Miriam Micael, engineering project manager with CSA, explained that this initiative aims to provide data within 30 minutes, enabling fire managers to process information rapidly and make informed decisions. This capability does not currently exist for Canada due to its geographical location.
WildFireSat has three primary goals:
- Detailed Mapping: It will offer precise mapping of a fire’s burn perimeter and monitor all wildfires, including those in remote areas. The project will predict fire behavior based on weather conditions and regional fuel types.
- Smoke Mapping and Air Quality: The mission will provide detailed smoke mapping and predictions for the spread of smoke, coupled with up-to-date air quality monitoring.
- Carbon Emissions: It will measure carbon emissions from wildfires, contributing to Canada’s understanding of the impact of wildfires on carbon emission targets.
Contractors for the WildFireSat project are currently being selected, with the winner expected to be announced in 2024. Fewer than ten satellites will monitor wildfires across the country, offering real-time data to aid communities and firefighting efforts.
The project aims to provide better situational awareness, particularly near inhabited areas, aiding in the protection of resources, infrastructure, and the environment. Although the project has been under development since 2014, the urgency of the data need is underscored by the 2023 wildfire season, which has become the worst in Canada’s history. The devastating impacts of wildfires on homes and lives have spurred the project’s efforts to accelerate its launch.
WildFireSat represents a significant step forward in wildfire monitoring, offering continuous surveillance from space and reducing the need for aircraft surveillance in remote areas.