The REMFIRESAT tool: demonstrated real time emergency management for forest fire services via satellite

A consortium of Spanish organizations, in collaboration with the fire-fighting services of Castilla-Leon and financed by the European Space Agency, developed the REMFIRESAT system with the aim to demonstrate the synergetic use of available space technologies for the management of emergencies, as forest fires, are. The system is a multi-user platform that can be operated by decision-makers, heads of brigades and fire-fighters. The results of demonstration campaign in summers 2003 (regional authorities from Castilla-Leon and National Spanish Environmental bodies) led those organisations to the renewal of the contract for 2004 and successive campaigns, now as a full operational tool. REMFIRESAT combines Satellite Navigation and Communication technologies as well as Earth Observation products, in a single management program, called Dynamic-Distributed-GIS, that allows operators to make use of all available datasets from any location, from central offices to infield command centres. This includes quick access to remote sensing products, duly processed to offer the best information available in quasi real-time.