Fire Simulation with PhyFire: Applications and Results in the TREEADS Project

This poster presents the use of the PhyFire simulation tool within the framework of the TREEADS project. PhyFire is built on three simplified physical models that work together to simulate various aspects of wildfires. The core fire propagation model, PhyFire, is coupled with HDWind, a high-resolution wind field model that provides localized wind dynamics, and PhyNx, an atmospheric dispersion model used to simulate the dispersion of the smoke generated by the fire. Through various use cases, we demonstrate how this integrated approach enhances fire modelling, prediction, and management. The showcased applications include real-world scenarios where the tool has provided valuable insights and supported decision-making processes for fire prevention and response. Key results highlight the accuracy and versatility of PhyFire in addressing diverse challenges related to wildfire dynamics and mitigation strategies. The selected use cases correspond to three TREEADS pilot areas: the Tiétar valley in the province of Ávila (Spain), the Sorrento peninsula (Italy) and the Samaria Gorge on the island of Crete (Greece). Incorporating the unique characteristics of each pilot area has presented distinct challenges to the simulation model, offering valuable opportunities for refinement and enhancement.

The simulation tool was developed by the Numerical Simulation and Scientific Computing research group at the University of Salamanca and integrated into the TREEADS project's WebGIS platform in collaboration with the Information Technologies for the Intelligent Digitization of Objects and Processes research group from the same university. The integrated tool facilitates its use over the project's pilot areas through a simple and user-friendly interface, enabling the visualization of results within a GIS environment.