HDRFS Team Launches First Controlled Burns to Advance Wildfire Science

The HDRFS team at the Red Rocks field site during the first day of controlled burns. Credit: Maureen Saccomani

The Harnessing the Data Revolution for Fire Science (HDRFS) project reached a major milestone this week as our research team hit the field to conduct the first experimental controlled burns. This phase of the project represents the culmination of years of meticulous planning, transitioning from laboratory models to real-world atmospheric data collection. The team will be utilizing drones to monitor the burns from above and using sensors to collect data.

Why This Research Matters

Understanding the physics of wildfire is more critical than ever as fire seasons become longer and more intense. The data gathered during these controlled burns will be integrated into the HDRFS data framework, helping scientists build more accurate predictive models. These models are essential for improving forest management, protecting local communities, and understanding the long-term impacts of fire on our ecosystems.

Stay Tuned for More

We partnered with a video production company to capture the action on-site. We will be producing a full-length feature video, including interviews with the lead researchers who are spearheading these burns. Stay tuned for the final video!

The controlled burns, carried out under the supervision of local firefighters, represent a major milestone in the HDRFS project. Credit: Scotty Strachan