Development of Firebrand Optical Characterization Device for Deployment on UAVs

Abstract

Wildfires increasingly threaten ecosystems and communities, driven by climate change and expanding wildland-urban interfaces. A key but poorly understood factor in wildfire spread is firebrand transport—embers carried by wind that can ignite spot fires far from the main blaze. This project developed a stereo vision camera system for potential deployment on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to track firebrand release and movement. Using synchronized, high-resolution cameras, the system captures 3D trajectories, allowing for estimation of firebrand velocity, lifespan, and dispersal. Unlike ground-based systems, a UAV-integrated approach enables rapid, flexible, and safer data collection in active fire zones. The future insights gained from this technology can support improved fire spread models and defensible space guidelines, contributing to more effective wildfire management.