Towards Data Assimilation in Level-Set Wildfire Models Using Bayesian Filtering

Abstract

The level-set method is a prominent approach to modelling the evolution of a fire over time based on a characterised rate of spread. It however does not provide a direct means for assimilating new data and quantifying uncertainty. Fire front predictions can be more accurate and agile if the models are able to assimilate data in real time. Furthermore, uncertainty estimation of the location and spread of the fire is critical for decision making. Using Bayesian filtering approaches, we extend the level-set method to allow for data assimilation and uncertainty quantification. We demonstrate these approaches on data from a controlled fire.