Since 1966, infrared imagery and products have continued to advance and specialists are now working toward providing imagery to incidents within minutes. Infrared scanners, which are mounted on the belly of an aircraft, locate hot spots within and outside the fire's perimeter. Infrared scanners can pinpoint a 6-inch hot spot from an altitude of 14,000 feet above ground level. Infrared aircraft fly parallel strips across the fire while a technician adjusts the contrast settings of the images that appear on monitors or television screens inside the aircraft. Infrared imagery is gathered during the night when temperatures between the terrain and fire differ the most, making it easier to pinpoint heat sources.
Interpreters translate imagery to topographic maps so fire managers can plan suppression strategies.
Several shades of black and white are depicted with black representing the hottest spots and white showing the cooler areas. Because there are only three infrared mapping systems available nationwide, infrared information may be gathered only once every two to three days if national fire activity is extreme. On the other hand, the same aircraft may fly three to four different areas in one night. In events of increased fire activity across the United States, the National Interagency Fire Center determines which areas receive priority. Site Map Send your questions or comments to the NIFC External Affairs Office.