Explore Ambee's Forest Fire API to help prevent & mitigate fire impacts. Learn how businesses can use forest fire data to stay ahead of risks and make informed decisions.
2. Unplanned and uncontrolled fires cause havoc on lives,
ecologies, economies, and the climate alike. Whether the
cause is natural or due to human activities, the destruction
affects wildlife habitats, properties, and human health and
safety.
For many years, there was no way of predicting a catastrophic
fire, let alone managing them. Today, technology has paved the
way for effective monitoring and managing of wildfires, all
thanks to fire data.
3. However, it's not that simple.
With growing risks of wildfire every year—especially due to climate
change—the need for fire data to be more robust, comprehensive, and
granular is now paramount. The parameters for fire data simply cannot
stop at burnt area or intensity.
To fill the existing gaps in data provided using outdated technologies,
Ambee has launched a new, improved, and majorly enhanced version of
forest fire API.
In this blog, we will highlight the extent of destruction caused by forest
fires, how Ambee’s latest fire API can play a significant role in
mitigating those risks, and how various industries leverage the API for
their benefit.
4. The extent of destruction caused by
forest fires
Between 1970 and 2018, forest fires in the Amazon rainforest destroyed an
estimated 17% of the forest, releasing billions of tons of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere and impacting biodiversity. The 2019-20 Australian bushfires burned over 46
million acres of land, resulting in human fatalities and the loss of thousands of homes
and other structures.
In 2022, wildfires burned a total of 7.5 million acres in the US. These figures are higher
than the ten-year average of 7.3 million acres.
The list of the destructions caused by global wildfires goes on.
While the impact remains strong on the environment and properties, the health impacts
cannot be ignored. The smoke and pollutants released by forest fires have significant
health impacts, particularly on vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Exposure to wildfire smoke can increase the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular
5. The way forward—Ambee’s upgraded
forest fire API
Ambee’s upgraded forest fire API provides users with critical information on the location,
intensity, and size, among other parameters. This also includes comprehensive air quality
data that can help detect the lingering effects of toxic air. With its easy-to-use interface
and robust search capabilities, the forest fire API is an essential tool for anyone seeking to
stay informed and take proactive measures to protect life and property.
Ambee is in the process of constantly improving this product with new features, forecasts,
maps, and more. Some of our new parameters also include the Fire Risk
Index and burnedArea polygon coordinates, which can be highly beneficial to analyze the
burnt locations with greater depth.
Burned area polygon indicates the region of area affected by the fire. Using the burned area
polygon any user can plot the region and visualize it on a map. Using this, stakeholders can
better understand the extent of the fire and plan their actions accordingly. This data is only
available as a part of Ambee’s forest fire API.
Get a detailed overview of the response parameters of forest fire APIs on
6. How various industries can leverage
forest fire data for their benefit
Preventing and mitigating forest fires is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential
applications of fire data. Different industries can use forest fire data in various ways to inform
decision-making, prevent or mitigate the impact of forest fires, and improve the management of
natural resources.
Here are some examples of how different industries can use forest fire data:
Insurance:
Damage to lives and properties are heavy due to wildfires. Fire data can help insurers identify
properties at a higher risk of fire damage based on historical incidents. Using this, they can determine
insurance premiums, coverage, and underwriting. Fire data can also help insurers identify the extent
of damages and assess insurance claims. Loss prevention strategies and resource allocation are also
some of the areas where fire data can come in handy. By analyzing fire data, insurers can identify
trends and patterns that can help them to anticipate and better prepare for future fire risks.
7. Real estate:
The real estate industry can use forest fire data to assess the risk of wildfire damage
to homes and other properties. For example, homes located in areas with a high risk
of wildfire may be more difficult to insure or may require additional precautions
such as the installation of fire-resistant materials. By using forest fire data to assess
risk, real estate companies can make informed decisions about property values and
insurance rates.
Transportation and logistics:
When it comes to transportation, monitoring and managing the impact of wildfires
on roads, bridges, and other infrastructure is vital. Wildfires can damage roadways
and cause closures or delays, which can impact the movement of goods and people.
Using forest fire data to track the location and severity of fires, transportation
companies can develop contingency plans and take proactive measures to minimize
disruptions to their operations.
8. Forestry and agriculture:
Forest fire data can help these industries better understand the risks and potential
impacts of forest fires on resources and develop strategies to prevent or mitigate
those impacts. For example, forestry companies can use forest fire data to plan
harvesting activities and to prioritize reforestation efforts in areas affected by
wildfires. Similarly, the agriculture industry can use forest fire data to monitor and
predict air quality, which can damage crops and affect livestock health. They can use
forest fire data to track the extent and severity of fires to adjust their agricultural
practices accordingly.
Governments and administrations:
Forest fire data can be used by governments and public sector organizations to plan
and allocate resources for wildfire response. They can develop policies related to land
use and management and start public safety initiatives. Forest fire data can be used
to identify high-risk areas to prioritize funding for fire suppression and prevention
efforts.
9. Interested in fire data for your
business?
While the industries above are just a few examples of how Ambee’s data
can make a difference, the opportunities provided by this dataset are
endless. If you are interested in fire data, check it out on our API
dashboard.
We also have a product dedicated to forest fires. Get a complete picture
of this product and the intent behind its development here. If you
require visualized forest fire data combined with air quality and weather
parameters, head over to the forest fire dashboard now!
Incorporate Ambee's forest fire data into your applications today and stay
ahead of fire-related risks.