FPInnovations Forestry group has developed a variety of computer-based systems or tools to aid forestry practitioners with decision making in harvest operations. These information systems, aptly called Decision Support Systems (DSS), allow the simulation of operational decisions using software applications. With these simulations, the outcomes of operational decisions can be promptly forecasted. DSSs thus allow users to compare the feasibility and economic value of different potential operational decisions.
In 2021, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Wildfire Management Branch identified an opportunity to evaluate new and emerging technologies to supplement and improve current wildfire response capabilities. A one-year directed research initiative was undertaken with the FPInnovations’ Wildfire Operations group to assess the efficacy of five different technologies and their utility in the wildfire domain. This report summarizes the five projects undertaken in this initiative, highlighting key outcomes and considerations.
The aim of this study was to capture data on area-based water delivery systems, specifically in the context of logistics, systems differentiation, water delivery, and its localized effects. FPInnovations successfully collaborated with Fire & Flood to obtain this data. A two-day test was executed during which Fire & Flood set up their 4- and 12-inch systems and carried out sprinkler operations.
This framework focuses on developing an approach for gathering data intended to improve our understanding of how fire spreads and structures ignite within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
The resultant research will intentionally be limited in scope as the framework outlines a research approach that is limited in scope to focus on FireSmart treatments within the SIZ. As such, the resultant research will not include studies into the effectiveness of landscape level fuel management activities, community scale hazard abatement, or the effectiveness of wildland or structural fire control actions.
The framework addresses critical components of a research deployment in the WUI. Included are prioritized research questions, supported by a decision tree to aid researchers
in identifying specific research priorities that are congruent with the opportunities presented by individual WUI wildfire incidents. Tools, methodologies, equipment, and logistics required to gather the requisite data and answer the research questions are provided within the framework.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) has asked FPInnovations to investigate current information and knowledge for bridge fire impact mitigation opportunities and strategies.
The extent of the investigation includes reaching out to domestic and international contacts to find directly applicable information and literature on strategies to mitigate fire impacts to bridge structures. This will include review of academic journals and reports, products and methods, to find
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) has asked FPInnovations to investigate current information and knowledge for bridge fire impact mitigation opportunities and strategies.
The extent of the investigation includes reaching out to domestic and international contacts to find directly applicable information and literature on strategies to mitigate fire impacts to bridge structures. This will include review of academic journals and reports, products and methods, to find
Mulch products are commonly used as landscaping material around residential structures and community parks. FPInnovations compared the ignition probability and fire behaviour of six different landscaping mulch products at the request of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which includes the urban service area of Fort McMurray. The results of this study will help communities and home owners make informed decisions regarding the use of landscaping mulch products.
The CIFFC aviation working group (AWG) includes representatives from wildfire agencies across Canada. The AWG has asked FPInnovations for a test method which will resemble direct attack with open flame on a wildfire. Previous efforts focused on using small trees and coniferous branches. Our research indicated these natural tree samples resulted in too much variability to be a useful test method. In searching for a better approach we have learned of a UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.) test method1 used in the mid 90’s for foams. UL devised a wood crib constructed of 2 by 2 lumber stacked with equal spaces between each board. The crib was ignited and foam was sprayed at the flaming crib. The wood crib test method will simulate the wildfire by dropping wildfire chemical on burning wood crib and measuring the re-ignition time to simulate the aerial direct attack.
Reduced surface evaporation rates are marketed as a competitive advantage by water-enhancer manufacturers. In this report, a new test method is developed and applied to quantify the evaporation rates of various commercially available water-enhancer products in a controlled environment. These quantified evaporation rates were then compared to the evaporation rate of water which served as the benchmark.
