Forest and land fires pose a serious threat that can damage ecosystems, harm human health, and cause significant economic losses. In mitigation efforts, early detection is a crucial step to prevent fires from spreading. One of the methods used is monitoring hot spots and fire spots.
• But what exactly is the difference between a hot spot and a fire spot?
• How does a company with an advanced fire prevention and mitigation system,
such as APP Group, effectively detect and extinguish forest fires?
What Are the Differences Between Hot Spots and Fire Spots?
A hot spot is a heat point detected by satellites due to an increase in surface temperature. However, not all hot spots indicate a fire. These heat points can appear due to various factors, such as:
• Industrial activities that generate heat
• Open land exposed to intense sunlight
• Heat reflection from certain surfaces
For this reason, the presence of hot spots requires further verification before being classified as a forest fire.
Unlike hot spots, a fire spot is a confirmed active fire. Verification is conducted through various methods, including:
• Ground patrols by forest fire suppression teams
• The use of drones and helicopters to obtain aerial imagery
• Monitoring from long-range cameras installed on watchtowers
Once a fire is confirmed, immediate suppression efforts are undertaken to prevent it from spreading.
How Does APP Group Detect and Prevent Forest Fires?
APP Group adopts advanced technology and an integrated strategy in forest fire mitigation. The following are the key measures implemented:
1. Satellite Monitoring and Early Detection System
APP Group utilizes satellite-based technology, such as MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) and VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite), to detect hot spots in real time. Data from these satellites is monitored by the control center for further analysis.
2. On-Site Hot Spot Verification
Not all hot spots are immediately classified as forest fires. Therefore, APP Group implements a field verification system through:
• Ground patrols by the Fire Suppression Team (Regu Penanggulangan Kebakaran/RPK)
• The use of drones to monitor real-time conditions in hard-to-reach areas
• Watchtowers equipped with long-range cameras to monitor fire-prone areas
3. Rapid Response If a Hot Spot Turns Out to Be a Fire Spot
If verification confirms that a hot spot is an active fire (fire spot), APP Group immediately activates its forest fire suppression protocols with the following steps:
• Deployment of Fire Suppression Teams
APP Group's Fire Suppression Team is swiftly deployed to the location to conduct early suppression and prevent the fire from spreading.
• Activation of Rapid Response Teams and Helicopters
For large-scale fires or those in areas difficult to access by ground vehicles, APP Group mobilizes the Rapid Response Team (TRC) using helicopters to swiftly contain the fire before it escalates.
• Implementation of Forest Fire Suppression Technologies
APP Group employs various suppression methods, including helicopter water bombing and ground-based fire suppression systems.
• Coordination with the Government and Local Communities
APP Group collaborates with government agencies, firefighting task forces, and local communities to ensure a swift and effective response to any forest fire incidents.
Through this systematic approach, APP Group not only focuses on fire suppression but is also committed to early prevention. By ensuring accurate hot spot detection and rapid fire spot response, APP Group continues to safeguard environmental sustainability and support national efforts to mitigate the risk of forest and land fires.