B.C. Forest Service FIRE DETECTION PROGRAM

FIRE HISTORY 1998 To 2002 BC experienced 8440 fires. Average of 1688/year. Considerably reduced from 10 year average of 2500 to the 20 year average of 3000 fires. Like to credit our detection & prevention program with the successes however more likely due to cooler weather pattern over last 3 years.

DETECTION HISTORY experienced 376 detection failures. 4.5% of total fires reported. Definition of detection failure – Time: ignition to detection lag > 40 minutes –Cost: cost + damage exceeds $20,000 –Size: at detection > 0.2 hectares

DETECTION METHODS The public reports 30 to 35 % of all fires. Current detection methods employed; –Lightning location system & air patrols. –Ground patrols during high risk & use periods. –Lookouts in isolated or high risk areas. –Industry watchers by regulation on active operations.

TRENDS Funding pressures forcing a look at costs. Number of lookouts (68) are in decline. Currently conducting a new detection analysis as part of looking to the future. Stricter prevention measures to reduce number of human caused fires. Look at cost benefit analysis in new technology.

FUTURE Look forward to seeing what new technology is available at work shop. Future direction will have to be – effective – affordable – low maintenance – easy to work with