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Satellite images of forest fires smoke

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June, 2010

Forest fires smoke in the St. Lawrence Valley and New England

Fire plays an important role in most ecosystems in Canada and abroad. As these ecosystems have evolved over the last 10,000-15,000 years (since the glacial retreat at the end of the last ice age), fire has helped to maintain their health and diversity. From a socio-economic perspective fire can, however, have negative or undesirable effects on public health and safety, property, and natural resources.

Earth observation (EO) satellites are key resources in a variety of disaster management scenarios. The data has been used effectively in disaster responses such as forest fires, landslides, shifting infrastructure and subsidence, flash floods, hurricane monitoring, etc. The ability to deliver data in near-real time is essential for relief operations to map and monitor damage and for assessing the impact on the future.

For more information, please contact: guy.aube@asc-csa.gc.ca.