The Advanced Virtual Fire Information System (AVFS) is a near-real-time satellite fire monitoring system. AVFS provides local fire management and suppression agencies across the globe with prediction, detection, alerting, planning and reporting capabilities. Using satellite observations, AVFS delivers the GPS location, distance and direction to user-defined reference points via cell phone texts, e-mail and social media networks. The system provides fire information 15 minutes after scans by two key satellite-based sensors. Processed data sets from the Earth Observing System and the GEONETCast system feed into the AFIS.
AVFS is built in full compliance with GEOSS data-sharing principles. Data and products are available at no cost and with minimum time delay. The information available at http://avfs.xtellixapp.com/ provides users worldwide with interoperable data standards.
AVFS provides fire managers, farmers and disaster personnel with a smart device application for quick access to fire information across southern Africa and globally. AVFS users are national departments and agencies, regional organizations and conservation institutions responsible for environmental protection and monitoring.
