In the first week of April 2023, wildfires have broken out simultaneously across the nation, causing significant damage. Due to the recent ongoing dry weather, forests have become more vulnerable, and strong winds have made firefighting efforts difficult. To minimize property and human casualties, local forestry and firefighting authorities have put in their utmost effort to prevent the spread of wildfires. In some areas, civil, government, and military sectors have collaborated to assist in emergency evacuations and prevent further damage from wildfires.

As a result of these wildfires, people's concerns about safety have increased. The government has promised to strengthen wildfire prevention measures and ensure more thorough monitoring and response. Did you know that satellite imagery can be used for wildfire monitoring and estimating the scale of damage?

Monitoring forest fires using satellites

Earthpaper, a satellite imagery platform

Some satellites are equipped with cameras that can capture not only the RGB wavelengths that we are familiar with, but also other wavelengths like infrared. These cameras aid in performing specialized analysis according to the user's specific purpose. By combining these wavelengths, it is possible to monitor regions where fires have occurred, as shown above.

Moreover, by combining satellite images, it is possible to understand the topographic features and weather conditions of the affected areas. This information can be helpful for allocating necessary resources and developing strategies for fire suppression.

Unusual wildfire in Seoul's downtown area

In the meantime, an unusual situation unfolded when a fire erupted on the fifth ridge of Inwang mountain, situated in Seoul. In response to the fire, authorities mobilized personnel and firefighting helicopters to suppress the flames. Roughly 120 households, including hikers, were evacuated, and emergency rescue control was activated to prevent the wildfire from spreading any further.

What Is the Extent of Damage From the Inwangsan Wildfire in Seoul?

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