Decision-making during fires in mountainous areas: a comparative analysis of monitoring methods

Abstract

One of the main factors ensuring a reduction in the risk of wild fires or their prompt elimination at the initial stage of a fire is the creation of an effective monitoring system. Obtaining reliable and timely data on natural fires makes it possible to increase the adequacy of management decisions aimed at responding to and minimizing possible damage from fires. The article discusses various methods of monitoring active wildfires in mountainous areas: space, aviation, ground and using unmanned aerial vehicles. An analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each method was carried out. It has been shown that traditional methods have limitations related to the frequency of data acquisition, measurement accuracy, safety, cost and other factors. This is especially true when monitoring in mountainous areas. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is considered a promising direction, as it allows one to obtain operational information with high detail. The advantages of unmanned aerial vehicles are noted in speed of response, maneuverability, economic efficiency and the absence of risk for direct performers. An example of a natural fire in a mountainous area that occurred in a specially protected natural area in one of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, demonstrating the shortcomings of traditional methods, is considered. The feasibility of a combined approach for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of monitoring is shown.