The North Australian & Rangelands Fire Information (NAFI) Website provides maps of fires based on satellite images to help fire managers across regional and remote Australia. NAFI is the primary fire information service used by the majority of land managers across Australia and is the legislated source of fire data that underpins savanna burning carbon projects. During the course you will gain practical skills using NAFI for monitoring fires, planning strategic fire plans and reporting.
The use of spatial data (digital map) information to map, monitor, assess and report is key to informing strategic fire management planning and response operations; to maximise long term environmental and economic benefits, and to minimise detrimental impacts. You will learn about some basic concepts underpinning the use of map data for fire management planning as well as develop some practical skills to help operationalise your fire management plans.
Opportunities will be provided through the course to apply these concepts in order to embed their application in your own practice. This includes:
- using map information throughout the fire mapping year,
- the type of map information you might use,
- accessing map information and interpreting it, and
- creation and management of map information, and using it in the field.
The course will begin with an overview of how map data is used throughout the fire year from planning and implementing strategic burning plans to responding to wild fires and reporting on the outcomes of a fire management year.
We will cover the basics of using NAFI for monitoring fires including:
- A basic introduction into how satellites ‘see’ fires
- When you might use NAFI throughout the fire year
- How you can access NAFI on your computer or phone
- Basic NAFI webpage navigation and key tools
The tools presented during this course provide a solid basis to build your skills in map data applications for fire management. However, it is important to note that this course is not tailored to the needs of each community and does not provide a ‘recipe’ on the best way to conduct your operations. Every land management group uses a different combination of tools and techniques for their work.
Remember: fire planning is fundamentally based on a good knowledge of the country – the vegetation types, how they will burn, how these factors vary through the year, and how topography and local weather affect fire. With this knowledge, the map information can be used effectively to help plan strategic burning.
The tools alone demonstrated in this training will not provide you with sufficient information for your fire planning; knowing country is always key.