Multi-source Tri-environmental Conceptual Framework for Fire Impact Analysis
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Abstract
The summer of 2023 highlighted the growing threat of wildfires in isolated areas, with Maui Island in Hawaii experiencing one of its largest wildfires. Our study, titled “Multi-source Tri-environmental Conceptual Framework for Fire Impact Analysis,” uses an integrated approach involving high-resolution optical data from Planet Labs, thermal infrared data from the Fire Information Resource Management System, and demographic data from the US Census Bureau to assess the environmental, built, and social impacts of this wildfire. Our innovative tri-environmental framework reveals how wildfires affect vegetation health, land cover, and various demographic groups. This comprehensive analysis can inform targeted disaster response and mitigation strategies and has broad applicability across different environmental stressors, such as floods and earthquakes. This communication emphasizes the urgent need for improved wildfire management practices and policy measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities.