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Fighting Fires With Satellites
posted: 01:22 pm ET
26 October 1999
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The European Space Agency has developed a new initiative to better manage forest fires using space technologyThe European Space Agency has developed a new initiative to better manage forest fires using space technology. Called REMSAT, the initiative will partner traditional firefighting techniques with data garnered from satellites. Under the program, satellite images of fire scenes will be passed on to fire crews in the field to help with strategy planning. In addition to satellite images, firefighters will also have access to aerial photography and meteorological data. REMSAT stands for "real-time management of emergency situations via satellite." In a pilot demonstration in Canada, REMSAT received an "enthusiastic response" during its use in a mock 19-day fire, according to an ESA release. The initiative is expected to be deployed to monitor a real fire in the summer of 2000. If all goes well, REMSAT could also be used to support relief efforts for other emergencies. "REMSAT can be adapted to meet the needs of many other types of emergencies such as earthquakes, floods, exceptionally heavy winter conditions and those involving hazardous materials," an ESA release said.
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