National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Fire products are now available from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) including the only current global daily active fire product. This paper describes the algorithm, the products and the associated validation activities. High-resolution ASTER data, which are acquired simultaneously with MODIS, provide a unique opportunity for MODIS validation. Results are presented from a preliminary active fire validation study in Africa. The prototype MODIS burned area product is described, and an example is given for southern Africa of how this product can be used in modeling pyrogenic emissions. The MODIS Fire Rapid Response System and a web-based mapping system for enhanced distribution are described and the next steps for the MODIS fire products are outlined.