VAWS – Application of the NOAA Next Generation Fire System for Improved Wildfire Detection and Monitoring in Alaska

Speaker: Dr. Michael Pavolonis, NESDIS Wildland Fire Program Manager

About the webinar: The NOAA Next Generation Fire System (NGFS) automatically extracts actionable fire intelligence from low Earth orbit and geostationary satellite observations, aligning directly with operational decision-making. Relative to legacy methods, the NGFS is designed to detect fires earlier and provide more robust monitoring intelligence, including enhanced resilience against cloud and smoke obstructions. The unique event data model employed by the NGFS enables new applications, such as fire ignition notifications, which will be demonstrated during the upcoming Alaska wildfire season. The demonstration of the NGFS in Alaska is made possible through close collaboration with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geographic Information Network of Alaska (GINA), which provides a low-latency data-processing and distribution pipeline, remote sensing expertise, and a deep understanding of Alaska’s unique wildfire stakeholder needs. This presentation will provide an overview of the NGFS and planned activities for the 2026 Alaska fire season.

Bio: Michael Pavolonis is the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Wildland Fire Program manager. He earned his Ph.D. in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the University of Wisconsin. He also holds a B.S. degree in Meteorology from Penn State and an M.S. degree in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences from the University of Wisconsin. Throughout his 20+ years at NOAA, Mike has focused on satellite sensing of environmental hazards to support operational applications, including decision support tools for Alaska use cases.