SMART FIRES is a statewide partnership advancing real‑time fire science by developing smart optical sensors and AI/ML tools to better understand prescribed fire behavior, smoke impacts, and their effects on communities.
As SMART FIRES reaches its halfway point, the project’s impact is being felt across Montana and beyond. From hands-on K–12 teacher training to immersive virtual wildfire simulations for firefighter training, SMART FIRES educators and researchers are advancing our understanding of fire and smoke behavior while creating tools to help students and communities learn about the purpose and impact of prescribed fire.
ROB Walker, project pi
Uses advanced AI/ML methods to process fire‑related data and generate predictive fire‑behavior insights.
Advances understanding of fire radiative energy, emissions, and their impacts on air quality.
Develops ground‑based and UAS‑mounted optical sensors with onboard AI/ML for real‑time fire and smoke measurement.
Examines how people interpret information, build trust, and make decisions about prescribed fire.
