Fire maps are powerful tools that help scientists, firefighters, and the public monitor and respond to wildfires. But for many, these maps can be confusing at first glance — full of colored dots, overlays, and data layers.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to read and interpret fire maps, what the most common symbols mean, and how to use them to track wildfire risks near you or around the world.
What Are Fire Maps?
Fire maps are visual representations of active fires, burned areas, and fire danger. They combine satellite data, weather models, and ground reports to provide near-real-time insights into fire conditions.
Popular sources include:
- NASA FIRMS (Fire Information for Resource Management System)
- Global Forest Watch Fires
- Copernicus EMS (Europe)
- Windy.com overlays (fire intensity, smoke)
Where the Data Comes From
Most global fire maps rely on satellite sensors, such as:
- MODIS (on NASA’s Terra & Aqua satellites)
- VIIRS (on Suomi NPP & NOAA-20 satellites)
These instruments detect thermal anomalies — areas emitting unusual heat, often from wildfires.
They provide:
- Active fire detections
- Fire radiative power (intensity)
- Time-stamped fire alerts (in hours/days)
How to Read a Fire Map Layer
| Layer Name | What It Shows | Typical Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Active Fires | Real-time detections (within 6–24 hrs) | Red or orange dots |
| Burned Areas | Land previously affected by fire | Brown or black patches |
| Fire Risk Index | Predicted fire potential | Yellow to dark red |
| Smoke/Aerosols | Concentration of smoke and particles | Gray overlays |
Interpreting the Details
When you click a fire point or hover on it, you’ll often see:
- Date and time of detection
- Fire radiative power (FRP) — higher means a stronger fire
- Satellite source (e.g. VIIRS, MODIS)
- Confidence level — high, medium, or low certainty
A high FRP combined with high confidence usually indicates a large, intense wildfire.
Tips for Using Fire Maps Effectively
- Zoom out to see regional or global trends
- Use filters to focus on recent or high-intensity fires
- Add overlays like tree cover, population, or wind
- Track smoke with aerosol layers to assess air quality risks
- Subscribe to alerts if available
Recommended Fire Map Tools
- NASA FIRMS – Global real-time fire detections
- Global Forest Watch – Fires, tree loss, and land use
- Copernicus Emergency Maps – Fire mapping for Europe
- Windy.com – Visual fire overlays with wind and smoke
Fire maps may seem complex at first, but once you learn how to use them, they become essential tools for understanding wildfire activity and preparing for climate risks.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, journalist, or citizen — knowing how to read fire maps is a step toward staying informed and resilient.