Wildfire Safety Evaluator (WiSE) App

The Wildfire Safety Evaluator (WiSE) App is a tool designed for wildland firefighters that calculates safe separation distance from oncoming flames, based on the new model developed by USDA Forest Service Research Engineer Dan Jimenez from the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory. This new tool gives firefighters the crucial ability to identify suitable safety zones while in the field. It updates the previous safety zone model that was designed for flat terrain, no wind, and only radiative heat.

With inputs based on direct observations in the field, wildland firefighters can now quickly calculate the safe separation distance based on wind, slope, vegetation height, and burning conditions to protect them from burn injury. WiSE does not require an active data connection, therefore it can be used in remote locations without cellular or internet service. To facilitate learning, the WiSE website has an interactive mapping application where users can upload their safety zones to share with other users. This safety zone repository provides users the ability to review other safety zones and learn and benefit from the user community.

It is important to note that at the extreme end of the calculation range (for example, high winds, steep terrain, and tall hazardous fuels), adequate safety zones rarely occur naturally on the landscape. For this reason, the safe separation distance calculation is capped at a maximum value of 1000 feet in the WiSE app and caution should be exercised regarding firefighter safety and tactics. Furthermore, the new safety zone guideline used in the WiSE app has not yet been formally approved by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

Principal Investigator: Daniel Jimenez

Download coming soon

The WiSE app is undergoing maintenance and temporarily unavailable for download at either Android or Apple stores. Check this webpage for updates.