Forest Fire Detection & Suppression Simulation

A NetLogo-based simulation modeling an autonomous forest fire detection and suppression system using coordinated emergency response teams.

Overview

This simulation demonstrates how coordinated emergency teams can detect fires early and suppress them before they spread extensively through a forest. The model features autonomous scouting units that patrol and detect fires, and ground firefighting units that respond to extinguish them.

Features

• Scouter Units (Blue): Autonomous patrol units that detect fires within their detection radius
• Ground Units (Red trucks): Firefighting vehicles that extinguish fires using water
• Dynamic Fire Spread: Fire spreads to neighboring trees based on spread rate and wind conditions
• Resource Management: Ground units must return to base to refill water
• Real-time Statistics: Track trees saved, burned, water used, and response times
• Wind Effects: Configurable wind direction affects fire spread patterns

Tree States

• 🟢 Green: Healthy, unburned trees
• 🔴 Red: Trees that just caught fire
• 🔴 Dark Red: Trees burning for extended time
• 🟡 Yellow: Trees saved by firefighting efforts
• ⚫ Black: Trees completely destroyed by fire

Parameters

Forest Parameters

• forest-density: Percentage of patches containing trees (0-100%)
• burn-duration: How long trees burn before being destroyed

Fire Parameters

• initial-fires: Number of fires to start the simulation
• fire-spread-rate: Probability of fire spreading to neighboring trees (0-4)
• auto-start-fires: Whether new fires start automatically during simulation
• fire-start-probability: Probability of new fires starting
• wind-setting: Wind direction (none/north/south/east/west)

Scouter Parameters

• num-scouters: Number of detection units
• scouter-detection-radius: How far scouters can detect fires
• scouter-speed: Movement speed of scouters

Ground Unit Parameters

• num-ground-units: Number of firefighting vehicles
• max-water-capacity: Water capacity per ground unit
• ground-unit-speed: Movement speed of ground units

How to Run

1. Install NetLogo: Download from NetLogo website
2. Open the model: Load forest-fire-simulation.nlogo
3. Adjust parameters: Use the sliders to configure your simulation
4. Setup: Click "Setup" to initialize
5. Run: Click "Go" to start the simulation

How It Works

1. Detection Phase: Scouter units patrol the forest and detect fires, creating fire markers
2. Response Phase: Ground units respond to detected fires
3. Suppression Phase: Ground units extinguish burning trees using water
4. Spread Phase: Uncontrolled fires continue spreading to neighboring trees
5. Recovery Phase: Units return to base for refueling when needed

Statistics & Metrics

The simulation tracks:

• Total trees vs trees burned/saved
• Survival rate (percentage of forest saved)
• Fires detected
• Water used
• Average response time
• Fire efficiency (trees saved per fire detected)

Technologies

• NetLogo 6.4.0: Agent-based modeling platform
• Multi-agent system: Different agent types with unique behaviors
• Dynamic simulation: Real-time state changes and visual feedback

Author

Ioannis Karkalas

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.