B.C. Forest Service

FIRE DETECTION PROGRAM

FIRE HISTORY

• 1998 To 2002 BC experienced 8440 fires.• Average of 1688/year.• Considerably reduced from 10 year average

of 2500 to the 20 year average of 3000 fires.• Like to credit our detection & prevention

program with the successes however more likely due to cooler weather pattern over last 3 years.

DETECTION HISTORY

• 1998 - 2002 experienced 376 detection failures.

• 4.5% of total fires reported.

• Definition of detection failure– Time: ignition to detection lag > 40 minutes

– Cost: cost + damage exceeds $20,000– Size: at detection > 0.2 hectares

DETECTION METHODS

• The public reports 30 to 35 % of all fires.

• Current detection methods employed;– Lightning location system & air patrols.– Ground patrols during high risk & use periods.– Lookouts in isolated or high risk areas.– Industry watchers by regulation on active

operations.

TRENDS

• Funding pressures forcing a look at costs.• Number of lookouts (68) are in decline.• Currently conducting a new detection

analysis as part of looking to the future.• Stricter prevention measures to reduce

number of human caused fires.• Look at cost benefit analysis in new

technology.

FUTURE

• Look forward to seeing what new technology is available at work shop.

• Future direction will have to be– effective – affordable– low maintenance– easy to work with