How to Use NASA FIRMS to Track Wildfires in Real-Time

NASA's Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) is one of the most powerful free tools available for tracking wildfires worldwide. Used by firefighters, journalists, researchers, and concerned citizens, FIRMS provides near-real-time satellite data on active fires across the globe.

This guide explains how FIRMS works, how to use it effectively, and how to integrate fire data into your own safety monitoring.

What Is NASA FIRMS?

NASA FIRMS is part of the Earth Science Data and Information System (EOSDIS), managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. It processes satellite data to detect "thermal anomalies" — areas of异常 heat that indicate active fires.

FIRMS distributes fire data from two key satellite sensors:

MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer)

VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite)

Accessing FIRMS

Web Interface

The main FIRMS fire map is at [firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov](https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/). The interface features:

Fire Point Colors

Each fire detection point is color-coded by time since detection:

Mobile Access

FIRMS is fully mobile-responsive. Bookmark the site on your phone for quick access during travel or fieldwork.

Step-by-Step: Tracking a Wildfire with FIRMS

Step 1: Go to the FIRMS Website

Visit [firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov](https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/)

Step 2: Navigate to Your Area

Use the search bar to enter a location (e.g., "Athens, Greece" or coordinates), or zoom manually.

Step 3: Select Your Time Range

Default shows 24 hours. For active fire monitoring, we recommend 48-72 hours to see fire progression.

Step 4: Toggle Layers

Step 5: Click on Fire Points

Each point shows:

Step 6: Set Up Alerts

FIRMS offers email alerts for geographic areas:

Understanding Limitations

Temporal Resolution

Satellites pass over each location 2-4 times per day. A fire that starts between passes won't appear for several hours.

Cloud Cover

Satellites cannot detect fires through thick cloud cover. If your area is overcast, fire detections may be missing.

False Positives

Not all thermal anomalies are wildfires. MODIS/VIIRS can also detect:

Use confidence levels and context to evaluate detections.

Spatial Resolution

The smallest feature MODIS can resolve is 1 km. Small brush fires may not be detected until they grow.

FIRMS API for Developers

For organizations that want to integrate fire data:

REST API

```

GET https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/api/area/csv/{API_KEY}/{SOURCE}/{WEST},{SOUTH},{EAST},{NORTH}/{DAY_RANGE}

```

Parameters:

Example: Fires in California (last 24h)

```

https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/api/area/csv/{YOUR_KEY}/VIIRS_NRT/-125,32,-114,42/1

```

Response Format

CSV with columns: latitude, longitude, brightness, scan, track, acq_date, acq_time, satellite, confidence, version, bright_t31, frp, daynight

Other Fire Tracking Tools

Global Forest Watch Fires

[globalforestwatch.org](https://www.globalforestwatch.org/) — Combines fire data with forest cover information. See our [Global Forest Watch guide](/blog/global-forest-watch-fire-alerts-guide).

EFFIS (Europe)

[effis.jrc.ec.europa.eu](https://effis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/) — European focus with additional burned area mapping. See our [EFFIS guide](/blog/effis-european-forest-fire-information-system-guide).

Copernicus Emergency Management Service

Provides detailed mapping for active emergencies in Europe and globally.

Weather Satellites

GOES (Americas) and Himawari (Asia-Pacific) geostationary satellites provide fire detection every 5-15 minutes — much faster than polar-orbiting satellites. Available through NOAA's STAR system.

Using FIRMS for Travel Safety

Before and during travel to fire-prone regions:

FAQ: NASA FIRMS

How current is FIRMS data?

VIIRS Near Real-Time (NRT) data is typically available within 60 minutes of satellite overpass. MODIS NRT data is available within 2-3 hours. However, each satellite only passes 2x daily, so there are gaps.

Is FIRMS data free?

Yes, completely free for all users. The API requires free registration but has no cost.

Can FIRMS predict where a fire will go?

No. FIRMS shows where fires are currently burning, not where they will spread. For fire behavior prediction, consult local fire agencies.

How accurate is FIRMS?

VIIRS high-confidence detections are very reliable (>90% accuracy for large fires). Low-confidence detections may be false positives. Agricultural areas have higher false positive rates.

*Related: [Global Forest Watch Guide](/blog/global-forest-watch-fire-alerts-guide) | [EFFIS Guide](/blog/effis-european-forest-fire-information-system-guide) | [Wildfire Evacuation Checklist](/blog/wildfire-evacuation-checklist-what-to-pack)*