NERO Network Café November – Applying the Rate of Spread Concept in Wildfire Management

Join Us for the November 2024 NERO Network Café

Discover the scientific and operational insights into the “Rate of Spread” (ROS) concept in wildfires at the 5th NERO Network Café Webinar. This session features expert speakers who will share their groundbreaking research and practical applications in wildfire behavior and management.

Webinar Details

Date: 27th November2024
Time: 10:00-12:00 CET
Location: Online (link provided upon registration)
Registration: Please visit registration form

Webinar Agenda

Introduction overview of the NERO Network by Fábio Silva – 10 minutes
Presentation by Dr. Miguel Cruz – 35 minutes
- The science behind ROS and wind speed as a dominant factor in wildfire spread.
- A practical “rule of thumb” used across Australia for fire control strategies.
- Real-world applications in enhancing community safety and operational decisions.
Presentation by David Field – 25 minutes
- Real-time firefighting strategies informed by ROS principles.
- Field examples from major bush and grass fires, both in Australia and internationally.
- Bridging research and operations for effective wildfire response.
Interactive Q&A Session modeated by Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White – 30 minutes

About Our Speakers

Dr. Miguel Cruz (Principal Research Scientist Bushfire behaviour modelling)

Dr Miguel Cruz is a bushfire behaviour scientist with expertise in field experimentation, fire spread modelling, with an emphasis in high intensity fire propagation, fire instrumentation design, and assessment of the effectiveness of vegetation modification to mitigate fire spread and intensity. Dr Cruz has over 25 years’ experience in bushfire behaviour research with contributions to the understanding and quantification of high intensity fires in Europe, North America and Australia.
Miguel’s work is focused on the development of new science with practical applications with direct societal and environmental benefits. A number of his models are used operationally across Australia to plan prescribed fires and forecast wildfire propagation. Outputs of these models are used to inform warnings to communities and safe and effective fire control strategies.

David Field (Fire Behaviour Analyst (FBAN) – NSW Rural Fire Service)

David Field, (or Fieldy) has been a Fire Behaviour Analyst (FBAN) in the RFS’ Predictive Services team for over 10 years. Over the last decade he’s worked on most of the significant bush and grass fires that have occurred in NSW, been deployed interstate and internationally, established the RFS’ upper air weather observation capability, supported national research projects, supported criminal and coronial investigations and supported the delivery of a large number of Inquiry and Royal Commission recommendations. David’s passionate about using research to help improve firefighting and organisational decision making. Outside of work he’s a keen gardener and Australian native plant enthusiast and is always very keen to discuss gardening.

Kelwyn White (Chief Superintendent – NSW Rural Fire Service)

Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White, a dedicated leader with a wealth of experience, commenced her distinguished service with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) in 2002. Over the years, Kelwyn has showcased her unwavering commitment to the organisation, earning recognition as one of the seven Area Commanders and currently the only female in this esteemed role. Having served as both a salaried officer and a volunteer during her service, Kelwyn’s commitment especially in the field of Community Risk & Community Engagement is held in the highest of regard by her peers and the community. Kelwyn continues to be a proud advocate for engaged communities, playing a significant leadership and mentoring role in this field to NSWRFS membership and the community.

Kelwyn is currently serving as NSWRFS Area Commander for the South Western Area responsible for the coordinated fire-fighting arrangements across the Area, including mitigation of bush fire risks to the community through strategic organisational programs to reduce risk to the community from bush fire and other emergencies and ensuring communities are engaged, prepared, and warned appropriately before and during an emergency.