How GOES-16 Imagery Enabled Effective IDSS During the Plains Wildfires of March 6-7, 2017

 

On March 6-7, 2017, a series of deadly wildfires spread across portions of Kansas and Oklahoma, into the Texas Panhandle. The ability to identify and communicate critical information to decision makers on the ground was directly enhanced by real-time availability of imagery from the GOES-16 satellite. This presentation describes how forecasters used these data to assist firefighting efforts for this particular event, and the unique value they add to future NWS decision support services.