Analysis of propagation of complex fire: case of the Yarnell Hill Fire 1

G. Paez; M. Strojnik; M. K. Scholl

doi:10.1117/12.2191725

1 September 2015 Analysis of propagation of complex fire: case of the Yarnell Hill Fire 1

G. Paez, M. Strojnik, M. K. Scholl

Proceedings Volume 9608, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XXIII; 96081L (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191725
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We examine the propagation of the Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona, June 28 -- July 3, 2013 to assess the nature of its complexity. We identify the critical fire growth that starts about 35 hours after the fire initiation. In a time span of three hours, the fire area is doubled. Within the following four hours, the direction of fire turns by about 180 degrees. An hour later, a pyrocumulonimbus cloud is observed above the fire area. To monitor complex fires, we propose implementation of an IR instrument to scrutinize fire remotely for behaviors, such as vortices and rotation, arising from combustion events, terrain characteristics, and outside influences. We propose a small reconnaissance plane circling to the side and above the fire area to search for anomalies in fire propagation and atmosphere during the fire consolidation during the initial 45 hours. Ideally, the observing instrument would be sensitive in IR region at about 4.5 microns where carbon oxide emits and water transmits the radiation.

Citation Download Citation

G. Paez, M. Strojnik, and M. K. Scholl "Analysis of propagation of complex fire: case of the Yarnell Hill Fire 1", Proc. SPIE 9608, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XXIII, 96081L (1 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191725

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available