Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Map of the Thomas Fire Area in California

In December 2017, the Thomas Fire burned areas in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties in California, consuming 281,893 acres (440 square miles), and becoming the largest wildfire in California history. Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties have experienced more than 250 wildfires since the 1950s. With 53% of Ventura County's total area being made up of National Forest territory and the Santa Ana winds flowing through the area helping to dry the vegetation, the region is at higher risk of fire, flooding, and mudslides. With the Thomas Fire, the Santa Ana winds helped to transport flames quickly and spread the fire within a few hours or days.

This poster presents the use of satellite data from NASA's inventory that have the potential for use in identification and analysis of forest fire risk and subsequent after-effects within a geographic information system (GIS).