Wildfire research

The mission of the Fire and Atmospheric Sciences Team is to develop the science and technology needed to protect life and property, and manage fire in the landscape. Understanding how fires are likely to behave in different weather conditions, terrain and fuel types, and the factors affecting public and firefighter safety is essential to fire management and prevention.

Scion currently has the MBIE Endeavour-funded Extreme Wildfire Programme, supported with co-funding from Forest Growers Research, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Department of Conservation, and New Zealand Defence Force and will run from October 2021 to September 2026.

This research builds on the past 30 years of rural fire research in New Zealand including the MBIE ‘Preparing New Zealand for extreme fire’ programmes. The outstanding, proven, and internationally recognised collaborations between the research team and operational firefighters and end-user agencies mean the work will be relevant and applied.

Please visit the Wildfire Research website for more information.