The Australian National Bushfire model project

The National Bushfire Research Unit has developed a personal computer based model to act as a shell for a decision support system for bushfire management. To date the fire spread module has been developed, and there is a continuing programme to incorporate expert systems. The model is designed for real-time operation. Inputs to the model combine a geographic information system (GIS) with real-time data acquisition and data assimilation through modem connections to telephone lines. Outputs are graphical and allow the fire-front position, which is generated using Huygens' principle, to be examined at any desired scale.