Chile Wildfires
Detecting Fires and Saving Lives with Thermal Intelligence
I am very sad about the helicopter crash which killed the pilot and a mechanic who were working to fight the fire. - Valenzua in the La Araucania region.
In February 2023, Chile experienced a devastating wildfire event. The flames consumed over 441,316 hectares, leaving a trail of destruction, grief, and loss in its wake. 6,855 lives were lost, homes were destroyed, and the environment suffered irreparable damage. This catastrophe showcased the ruthless power of nature's fury, fueled by extreme temperatures and fierce winds.
Agriculture Impact
According to the Chilean fruit producer’s association (FEDEFRUTA), Araucanía, Biobío and Ñuble – which are area of large tracts of forest land, had been burned by the fires. There were cherry and lemon orchards in the Ñuble region that were burned and blueberries that were ready to harvest but were spoiled due to the high temperatures from the wildfires.
Meteorological Warnings
Extreme weather conditions, determining factor in the spread of fire (McWethy et al., 2021). This extreme situation was predicted very precisely by numerical weather models and, consequently, the Chilean Meteorological Service issued meteorological warnings and alerts at the end of January.
Disaster Response
The Chilean government urgently sought international assistance to combat the wildfires. In response to this plea, the United Nations swiftly activated its internal, national, and global mechanisms to efficiently aid the Chilean government.
International personnel from ten countries, including brigade members, firefighters, and specialists, arrived to provide essential support. The collective efforts of 11,632 deployed personnel, both national and international, were instrumental in battling the fires.
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United States
The international community rallied to provide aid to Chile in its time of need. The United States announced nearly 1 million USD in humanitarian assistance, channeled through local partners, with a team of seven experts on-site.
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Israel
Israel and the Jewish Community in Chile extended their support with irrigation kits, water tanks, and various tools for farmers.
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China
China contributed $100,000 to the Chilean Red Cross to aid affected families.
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Japan
Japan, through JICA, contributed firefighting supplies, extinguishing equipment, and personal protection gear.
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This international solidarity underscored the global commitment to addressing the crisis
Geospatial Technology
Geospatial technology played a pivotal role in the early detection and monitoring of the wildfires. Satellite-based solutions, enabled the rapid identification of fire hotspots.
Captured by NASA's Terra satellite, the images were acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) before and after the outbreak of fires. These images employ a false-color composition, combining shortwave infrared and visible light (MODIS bands 7-2-1) to enhance the visibility of burn scars on the landscape. The image on the left, taken on the morning of February 2, 2023, portrays a vibrant green expanse with subtle burn scars. As the afternoon of February 2 unfolded, plumes of smoke emerged from newly ignited fires in the area. On the right, the image from February 14, 2023, reveals a landscape marred by numerous additional fire-induced scars. Predominantly situated in the Biobío and Ñuble regions, these burn scars bear witness to the intensified blaze.
The Copernicus Emergency Management System, activated in rapid mapping mode, produced 40 maps that supported civil protection authorities and the international humanitarian community.
Early Detection
Geospatial analysis, a cornerstone of OroraTech's, took center stage in this tumultuous narrative. Our global network of sensors, perpetually monitoring the Earth's temperature, exemplified the transformative potential of real-time data. With the ability to detect fires in mere minutes, this technology proved to be a game-changer for early detection and response.
Imagine the value of receiving instant alerts when a spark emerges, even in the darkest hours of the night. Our geospatial analysis-enabled system empowered authorities with accurate, up-to-the-minute information, allowing them to swiftly direct resources and coordinate efforts.
Chile's agricultural losses served as a poignant reminder of vulnerability, driving home the importance of precision and targeted action. Geospatial analysis unveiled the extent of the damage, guiding relief efforts and resource allocation. This technology empowers us to zoom in on the exact locations that demand attention, ensuring every effort yields maximum impact. Here's a snapshot of the detected hotspots by OroraTech during this period:
February 4th
As February 4th dawned, a stark reality emerged—OroraTech's technology recorded a staggering 10,358 hotspots strewn across Chile's terrain. Signaling the intensity of potential fire outbreaks.
February 5th
The trend continued with 5,812 hotspots, across the regions of Bio-bio, Araucania, and Nuble, reaffirming the persistent fire risks.
February 6th
The fires began to concentrate in the south, with 6,644 hotspots identified by OroraTech's system, indicating a heightened risk in that area.
February 7th
The trend continued as 24,195 hotspots were detected, indicating a dramatic escalation in fire risk and potential emergencies.
February 8th
Despite variations, the system spotted 12,386 hotspots, reaffirming the fire-prone conditions in the southern region continued.
February 9th - 10th
The intensity subsided, as evidenced by 3,010 and 3,188 hotspots respectively. These counts indicated a relatively calmer period.
February 11th - 12th
The system continued to provide invaluable insights, registering 2,118 hotspots on the 11th and 946 hotspots on the 12th.
February 13th - 15th
The system's sensitivity remained unwavering, identifying 34, 24, and 22 hotspots on the 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively.
February 16th - 18th
Amid fluctuating trends, the system maintained its vigilance, marking 18, 12, and 12 hotspots on the 16th, 17th, and 18th.
February 19th - 20th
The 19th marked a decrease, with 2 hotspots detected. The monitoring continued on the 20th, uncovering 16 hotspots. The system's consistency remained pivotal in ensuring a comprehensive awareness of potential fire events.
The ability to monitor, predict, and respond transforms a catastrophe into an opportunity for resilience. As we recount this chapter, we shine a spotlight on geospatial analysis as a guiding star, navigating us through crises and steering us toward a safer, more secure world.
- Information isn't just power; it's hope -