AS the fire season looms, predicted to be hotter and drier than recent years, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) is urging Victorians to become ‘citizen scientists’ and contribute vital information about the state’s fire risk.
Dr Danielle Wright, CFA Remote Sensing Analyst, highlighted the need for more observers to provide readings of grass curing, especially in the North-East, North-West and South-West regions.
“Our volunteer grassland observers are an incredibly valuable resource that helps to inform a lot of our decision-making over the fire season,” she said.
Satellite imagery, while crucial, can overestimate or underestimate curing levels. This is where grassland observers come in, adjusting satellite readings to provide more accurate information about fire risk.
Melissa Hughes, a volunteer with Wattle Glen Fire Brigade and a grassland observer, praised the ease of the online training module.
“I love the data and the science that goes into this grassland observation,” she said. Hughes noted that her observations have an immediate benefit to the community.
“I don’t just see grass anymore when I am out on the road, I see so much more detail. It might be dry at the top but still green at the bottom, and I know exactly where it is in the curing process no matter where I am.”
Dr Wright encouraged anyone interested to participate, highlighting the significant contribution to Victoria’s understanding of the landscape and fire behaviour models.
For more information: visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/grass or email grassland@cfa.vic.gov.au
