Hungarian researchers develop digital tool to help fight wildfires

A wildfire can reach speeds of over 30km/hour, outrunning firefighters and even some vehicles. 

However, researchers in Hungary are working on a new way to fight back. They have developed software that creates a digital model of an entire forest. The system is designed to help firefighters predict how a wildfire could spread.

The technology is being developed at the University of Sopron. It comes as researchers warn that hotter and drier summers could increase the risk of wildfires, with experts already predicting next year to outstrip records set over 2026.

Here in Hungary, the need for better tools was made clear three weeks ago. A fast-moving wildfire tore through dry pine forest near Sopron, with flames spreading toward the Dudlesz Forest near the Hungarian-Austrian border.

More than 100 firefighters from Hungary and Austria were deployed to contain the blaze. Sopron disaster management chief Col. Sándor Molnár said cooperation between the two countries helped stop the fire.

"Through cooperation and joint efforts, firefighting units were able to stop the fire at its most dangerous point," Molnár said.

Futuristic forest technology 

Researchers say their new software could help crews prepare for such fires before they happen.

Dr. Kornél Czimber, deputy dean of the Faculty of Forestry Engineering at the University of Sopron, said the software can model both fire spread and the burning condition of individual trees.

"The software, it's not only a forest fire spread simulator, but also a burning simulator. So it can simulate the burning state of each individual tree and you can see the gray area is already burned. Firefighters, if they're out there on the field, they can know after one hour, two hours, two hours and a half when the forest fire front will be."

The system uses data collected by drones equipped with LiDAR scanners. The technology uses laser pulses to map trees, vegetation and terrain in three dimensions. Researchers then use that data to create what they call a digital twin of the forest. 

The model can show where a fire could spread and how quickly it could reach different areas. That could allow firefighters to test their response before sending crews into dangerous areas. They can also test potential fire breaks and compare different strategies.

Czimber said Hungarian authorities have shown interest in using the technology.

"We started the discussion with the authorities and they are really open for this technology and they are keen to try the software right now," Czimber said.

The developments aren't being limited to Hungary, with researchers now working to make the system easier to use, and adaptable for forests in other parts of the world.

Dr. Balint Heil, dean of the Faculty of Forestry Engineering at the University of Sopron, said the project reflects the changing conditions faced by forests.

"This is the result of what we experience in the latest time, the effects of climate change," Heil said.

The researchers hope the technology can reach emergency crews in the field. They say it could be used in remote areas where firefighters need a clear picture of the terrain. The goal is to give firefighters information before the flames arrive. It could help them understand the forest, predict the fire and plan where to send their crews.