🔥 Canadian Wildfire Risk Tracker

Interactive Visualization & Predictive Susceptibility Platform

The Canadian Wildfire Risk Tracker is a data-driven web platform designed to identify, visualize, and predict wildfire susceptibility across Canada. By transforming complex NASA Earth observation data into an interactive visual dashboard, this tool supports city planners, emergency responders, and the public in mitigating wildfire hazards through real-time insights and predictive modeling.

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🚀 Key Features

• Predictive Susceptibility Index: Unlike traditional maps that only show active fires, this platform calculates future risk levels based on environmental variables.
• Real-Time Fire Tracking: Integrated with NASA's FIRMS and EONET APIs to display currently active wildfires across the country.
• Interactive Geospatial Mapping: Users can search specific locations via the Nominatim/OpenStreetMap API to view localized risk levels.
• Multi-Factor Risk Analysis: Calculates risk by weighting vegetation density, temperature, wind speed, and dryness.

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🛠️ Tech Stack

• Frontend: React.js, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
• Backend: Node.js
• APIs & Data Sources:
  • NASA FIRMS: Fire Information for Resource Management System.
  • NASA EONET: Earth Observatory Natural Event Tracker.
  • Open-Meteo API: Real-time environmental and weather metrics.
  • OpenStreetMap: Geocoding and interactive map tiles.

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🔬 Methodology & Logic

The application utilizes a weighted algorithm to estimate the probability of a wildfire in any given area:

1. Data Acquisition: The system pulls historical fire frequency and live environmental data from satellite observations.
2. Environmental Weighting:
   • Vegetation Density: High-density areas increase fuel load.
   • Dryness/Temperature: High heat and low moisture indicate ignition potential.
   • Wind Speed: Factors into the potential spread and intensity.
3. Visualization: Raw data is processed and rendered as a color-coded heat map representing the Wildfire Risk Index.

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⚙️ Installation & Setup

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone [https://github.com/Sutharshannn/Canadian-Wildfire-Risk-Tracker.git](https://github.com/Sutharshannn/Canadian-Wildfire-Risk-Tracker.git)
   cd Canadian-Wildfire-Risk-Tracker

2. Install Dependencies:

   npm install

3. Start the Application:

   npm start

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🎓 Academic Context

Developed as a specialized project during the University of Windsor hackathon series in 2026. This project demonstrates the application of environmental data science to improve urban resilience and disaster preparedness.

Author: Sutharshan Suthakaran, Computer Science Student at the University of Windsor.

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Disclaimer: This tool is intended for research and educational purposes. Always refer to official government sources for emergency evacuation orders.