Skilling up on NAFI know-how

How do satellites see fires, how can you create a fire map, and what is the best technology to use? These were among the key topics at two fire planning workshops held in Cooktown in October. 

Facilitated by Cape York NRM, the workshops held on October 10 and 11, attracted attendees from  South Cape York Catchments,  Binthi Land Holding Group Aboriginal Corporation,

 Yuku Baja Muliku, Cook Shire and Laura rangers. 

“The workshops went extremely well,” Cape York NRM Fire coordinator Andrew Drenen said. “All participants benefited greatly, learning new skills and enhancing their existing skills across a broad range of topics.”

Training was provided by Aiden Joseph and Kerry Crosbie from the North Australia & Rangelands Fire Information (NAFI) service, which is the primary fire information platform used by the majority of land managers across Australia, and the legislated source of fire data underpinning savanna burning carbon projects.

“Day one focused on NAFI training with an introduction to satellite technology and how satellites detect and map fires,” Andrew said. “We  were also shown how to access and navigate the NAFI website on a computer or phone, how to use it to generate reports, including detailed fire histories, and what other NAFI training resources are available.

On the second day the workshop launched into the Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), which is a free software that allows users to create, edit, visualise, analyse, and publish geospatial information. 

“A highlight is always seeing and using the 3-D fire spread model,” Andrew said. 

“All of this learning really helps land managers on Cape York Peninsula understand the risks, the history and the strategies for protecting property in the fire season.”

The NAFI for fire planning/management and the QGIS/NAFI advanced fire mapping/planning workshops were delivered by Cape York NRM with support from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR)