Presentation of Research into Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland Forest Fires of 2022

At the end of August members TUD’s Environmental Remote Sensing team presented the research and results of their investigations into the Saxon/Bohemian Switzerland forest fire of 2022. The event, held at the Saxon Switzerland National Park Centre in Bad Schandau, was attended by the National Park staff, who in turn, provided an on-the-ground perspective of the fire and forest conditions.

Team leader JProf. Matthias Forkel presented an overview of how the team uses a combination of remote sensing data, spatial data and field- (forest) work to understand the fire weather conditions, fuel types and conditions and how remote sensing can be used before, during and after fire events.

Kristina Beetz then presented her research and results from her Master thesis and subsequent investigations. Kristina demonstrated how fieldwork supported the remote sensing data, specifically related to fire intensity, spread and the various factors that influenced the fire behaviour.

Following this, Konrad Bauer informed the audience of the fuel moisture measurement campaign and results and the team’s recently installed fire-weather and fuel moisture measurement stations, two of which are now installed in the National Park.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr Anika Busse and her team at the National Park for their continued support during our investigations and on-going research.