Expressions of Interest are now open for a project that will identify and define landscape dryness thresholds for bushfires.
Understanding how the dryness of the landscape influences the likelihood and nature of fires is critical for risk planning for fire and land managers. Despite a large amount of prior research and a plethora of landscape dryness products available, substantial knowledge gaps persist relating to how well existing metrics of dryness can deliver critical operational intelligence; for example, when and where fires may occur, when large fire complexes are more likely, when conditions are suitable for prescribed burning and equally when bushfire risk is negligible.
The Identifying and defining landscape dryness thresholds for fires project will provide improved metrics for identifying bushfire risk, guiding suppression tactics and supporting prescribed burning operations, including quantitative detail that describes the metrics, constraints, limitations and potential applications.
The outcomes of this project will include improved accuracy of fire simulation systems and fire danger ratings systems, added value to seasonal forecasts and better interpretation of landscape condition monitoring systems, leading to enhanced community safety, better preparedness and reduced fire impacts.
The need to identify appropriate indicators was identified as a priority by the AFAC Predictive Services Group (PSG). This project has been developed by a team designated by the PSG.
Expressions of Interest are open until 5pm AEST, Wednesday 6 September 2023.
An online webinar scheduled for 12pm AEST, Wednesday 16 August, will provide a more detailed briefing of the project and the opportunity for interested parties to pose specific questions.
Find out more about this EOI, including a revised submission form, registration for the online briefing and any frequently asked questions, on the Identifying and defining landscape dryness thresholds for fires project page.