Opportunities for transformative fire monitoring using Earth observations in Canada

As evidenced by the 2023 fire season, we are experiencing unprecedented fire management challenges in Canada. Innovative fire monitoring solutions can help support wildfire managers as they limit the negative impacts of wildland fires while also prioritize the positive benefits in Canada’s forested ecosystems. Opportunities for advancing fire monitoring mirror a broader paradigm shift in the field of Earth observations towards open data, large-scale analyses, and collaborative development. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of the 2023 Canadian fire season using Earth observations. I will highlight three key realms for advancing fire monitoring: implementing Virtual Constellation approaches, enhancing capacity for Artificial Intelligence in fire monitoring, and reducing barriers to collaboration for fire monitoring researchers of all backgrounds. Working towards climate resiliency in the fire-prone nation of Canada will require transformative, problem-centered research. The recommendations presented provide pathways for transformation in fire monitoring through novel geomatics technologies and inclusive research practices.