Byram’s Fireline Intensity - expanding fire intelligence for safer wildfire operations

In wildfire response, knowing where a fire is burning is only part of the equation. Understanding how intensely it burns is the key to staying ahead. That’s why we are proud to introduce a critical new layer of ground-level insight to our Wildfire Solution platform: Byram’s Fireline Intensity.

What is Byram’s Fireline Intensity?

Byram’s Fireline Intensity (BFI) measures the energy released per meter of fire front per second. Unlike satellite-derived metrics such as Fire Radiative Power (FRP), which quantify heat output from above, BFI delivers direct insight into flame behavior on the ground. This statistic, expressed in kilowatts per meter (kW/M), is used by firefighters, scientists, and incident commands alike to quantify how intense or dangerous a fire is, and whether to tackle it directly or indirectly.

Suppression strategies based on Byram’s

How intense a fire is at its fireline is a great indication to ground personnel of how to fight it. Depending on the specific kW/M and the height of its flame, your strategy may be direct or indirect, needing different resources and equipment to fight.

We created a “Tactics Threshold” graph below based on charts put out by the U.S. Forest Service’s Charts for Interpreting Wildland Fire Behavior Characteristics, as well as the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

Why This Matters for Wildfire Management

With Fireline Intensity now part of the WFS platform, wildfire professionals can:

• Quantify the true strength of the fire front in real-time.
• Better anticipate suppression difficulty and flame length.
• Align aerial and satellite data with ground-level operations.
• Make faster, safer decisions under pressure.

This feature is particularly valuable in high-intensity events, where conventional metrics may lag behind the conditions faced by firefighters on the ground.

Connecting the Satellite View to Ground Truth

While FRP remains a powerful remote-sensing tool for assessing fire heat and emissions, it lacks the resolution to reflect operational challenges in the field. Byram’s Fireline Intensity fills this gap, providing the missing link between satellite data and on-the-ground reality. With this integration, WFS transforms raw fire data into practical, field-ready intelligence, helping agencies protect lives, property, and ecosystems more effectively.

Ready to Take Action?

Byram’s Fireline Intensity is now live and available to all WFS users. This new feature provides fire crews and incident managers with real-time insight into the true strength of a fire at the front line. It helps teams evaluate suppression difficulty, anticipate flame behavior before it’s encountered, and make faster, more confident tactical decisions in dynamic conditions. With BFI integrated into WFS, users now have the ground-level perspective they need to better protect lives, resources, and response personnel.