About

SMART FIRES: Sensors, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Real Time Fire Science

SMART FIRES is the current statewide NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 project with an aim to develop advanced optical sensors, AI‑driven tools, and interdisciplinary research to better understand prescribed fire behavior, smoke emissions, and their impacts on Montana’s ecosystems and communities.

Project leads

Robert Walker (MSU)
PI/PD

Libby Metcalf (UM)
co-PI, SPEE Lead

Joseph Shaw (MSU)
co-PI, SOS Lead

Lu Hu (UM)
co-PI, FSS-Smoke Lead

Carl Seielstad (UM)
FSS-Fire Lead

John Sheppard (MSU)
AIML Lead

Venice Bayrd (MSU)
CI-Data Lead

Suzi Taylor (MSU)
EOD Lead

Aaron Thomas (UM)
EOD Lead

Ben Williamson (MSU)
Program Manager

Erika Hildner (UM)
Program Administrator

What is SMART FIRES?

SMART FIRES (Sensors, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in Real-Time Fire Science)* is a partnership among Montana State University, University of Montana, Salish Kootenai College, Little Big Horn College, Montana Technical University and Flathead Valley Community College. The project expands jurisdictional research capacity to address knowledge gaps in prescribed fire usage and its impact on individuals and communities. Prescribed fire refers to the controlled application of fire to restore ecosystem health and mitigate wildfire risk in the Western U.S.

* The team has updated the working title from the original proposal name, ‘Integrating Montana’s Environmental Research with Smart Sensors (IMERSS)’.

What questions does SMART FIRES address?

SMART FIRES is guided by two foundational questions:
1) How do prescribed fire energy and emissions depend on fuel properties, topography, and environmental conditions?
2) How do the smoke emissions from prescribed fire affect individuals and communities?

What technologies is SMART FIRES generating?

SMART FIRES is developing a new generation of smart optical sensors that integrate emerging engineering technologies with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These instruments measure prescribed fire behavior and other fire/smoke metrics in real time. The project also focuses on methods to assess and communicate the benefits and risks of prescribed fire. SMART FIRES is enhancing research capabilities through strategic hires and interdisciplinary collaboration, and is building a skilled workforce in ecosystem management, optical engineering, AI/ML, environmental chemistry, and social science.

What are the different research thrusts of SMART FIRES?

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Uses advanced AI/ML methods to process fire‑related data and generate predictive fire‑behavior insights.

Fire & Smoke Science

Advances understanding of fire radiative energy, emissions, and their impacts on air quality.

Smart Optical Sensors

Develops ground‑based and UAS‑mounted optical sensors with onboard AI/ML for real‑time fire and smoke measurement.

Social Psychology, Economics, & Ethics

Examines how people interpret information, build trust, and make decisions about prescribed fire.

What is the role of Research and Data Cyberinfrastructure (CI)?

SMART FIRES partners with MSU Library’s Research Optimization Analytics and Data Services Group, MSU Research Alliance, MSU Research Cyberinfrastructure, UM IT department, and UM College of Forestry IT group. CI Team: Venice Bayrd (MSU), Coltran Hophan-Nichols (MSU), Zach Rossmiller (UM), Sherri McWilliams (UM), Jason Clark (MSU), Todd Kipfer (MSU)