NASA joins National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NASA joins National Wildfire Coordinating Group
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 20, 2024

In a significant move to bolster the United States' wildfire management efforts, NASA has officially become an associate member of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). This collaboration opens new avenues for the space agency to work alongside federal agencies and other partners, leveraging its vast technological and innovative resources to enhance understanding and management of wildland fires.

The NWCG serves as a national leader, promoting interoperable wildland fire operations among a broad spectrum of partners, including federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial entities. Its mission aligns with the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy's objectives: to restore and maintain resilient landscapes, develop fire-adapted communities, and ensure safe, effective wildfire responses.

NASA's Deputy Administrator, Pam Melroy, emphasized the agency's commitment to addressing the increasing challenge of wildfires, stating, "As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships." Melroy highlighted NASA's Earth observation capabilities and cutting-edge technology in safe air operations as critical tools in enhancing wildfire fighting efforts across the government.

By joining the NWCG, NASA is poised to significantly contribute to the enhancement of interagency collaboration in wildfire management. The agency plans to share its research and technologies, aiding in the development of wildland fire management standards. NASA's rich history in Earth science, space technologies, and aeronautics will support the group's mission, offering valuable insights and solutions to the challenges of wildland fire management.

To further the goals of the NWCG, NASA will utilize the combined contributions of its research and development, data gathering and distribution, and technology transfer capabilities across three mission directorates: earth science, space technologies, and aeronautics. This collaboration will augment NASA's Wildland Fire Management Initiative, which focuses on the development, demonstration, and commercialization of wildland fire technology through awards to small businesses, research institutions, and other technology innovators.

Aitor Bidaburu, executive board chair for the NWCG, expressed enthusiasm for NASA's membership, noting, "With NASA, it will significantly enhance the common operating framework for the interagency wildland fire community." This sentiment underscores the anticipated benefits of incorporating NASA's technological prowess and research capabilities into the wildland fire management sector.

NASA's inclusion in the NWCG also aligns with recommendations from the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, outlined in their 2023 report on modernizing wildland firefighting. These recommendations include the immediate adaptation and deployment of existing technologies, strengthening the operational sequence of wildland firefighting, accelerating the improvement of predictive wildfire modeling tools, and encouraging the development and field demonstration of prototype systems to expand the nation's wildfire response capacity.

The primary members of the NWCG include a range of federal and state agencies, demonstrating the collaborative effort required to address the complex challenges of wildland fire management. With NASA's entry as an associate member, alongside other key agencies, the group is better positioned to leverage cutting-edge technology and innovation in the ongoing battle against wildfires, ensuring a more coordinated and effective response to protect landscapes, communities, and first responders across the nation.