CORE utilizes advanced situational awareness tools to proactively manage wildfire risks within its service territory. These tools are integral to CORE’s full-service approach, providing essential fire warnings, watches, and forecasts that inform daily operations and strategic planning.
Advanced Tools for Real-time Fire Risk Assessment
At the heart of CORE’s system is a sophisticated Geographic Information System (GIS). This GIS integrates wildfire hazard potential maps, developed by the U.S. Forest Service’s Fire Modeling Institute, with critical spatial data layers. These layers include the locations of power lines, infrastructure, and community areas, providing a comprehensive view of potential risks. By overlaying these datasets, CORE gains a clear understanding of the geographic distribution of wildfire threats relative to its assets.
Comprehensive Wildfire Monitoring and Data Integration
CORE’s situational awareness extends beyond static maps. The system incorporates dynamic, real-time data feeds to monitor evolving fire conditions. This includes alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS), providing timely fire warnings and watches. Near real-time fire alerts from NASA FIRMS satellites offer immediate detection of potential ignitions. Furthermore, social media notifications from fire and police agencies within CORE’s service area are monitored to capture on-the-ground intelligence. CORE also subscribes to DTN Weather Service for detailed daily weather reports, including specific wildfire risk assessments. Data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)’s Warnings and Watches map service and the USFS Wildland Fire Assessment System map service further enriches the daily risk picture.
Operational Adaptation and Proactive Risk Mitigation
The wealth of information gathered through these systems is directly accessible to CORE personnel. This enables adaptive adjustments to daily operations, ensuring emergency preparedness, and refining risk mitigation strategies in response to changing fire conditions. CORE System Operators play a crucial role by logging weather conditions and disseminating vital information and warnings to all Operations personnel and contractors. GIS updates and republishes map services to the daily operation map, ensuring everyone operates with the most current situational awareness. This proactive approach allows CORE to implement real-time operational changes that demonstrably reduce the risk of fire ignition originating from CORE’s equipment, facilities, and operational activities, underscoring the value of a “wildfare core full serve” approach to wildfire safety.
Conclusion
By leveraging a suite of advanced tools and real-time data, CORE exemplifies a commitment to wildfire risk management. This dedication to situational awareness allows for informed decision-making and proactive measures, safeguarding communities and infrastructure within its service territory.
