FIRE: An Integrated AI System Tackling the Full Life Cycle of Wildfires in Hurricane Prone Regions

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $2,322,053 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Wildfire management in the Florida Panhandle faces unprecedented challenges due to the unique interaction between hurricanes and fire behavior. This fire-dependent ecosystem relies on regular wildfire for ecological health, yet hurricane disturbances can dramatically alter this natural balance by creating massive fuel accumulations that transform beneficial fires into devastating threats to rural communities. Unlike other fire-prone regions, the Florida Panhandle experiences hurricane disturbances that can increase fuel loads by an order of magnitude, creating conditions where ecologically necessary fires become uncontrollable disasters. Current wildfire management approaches usually do not account for these hurricane-fire interactions, leaving communities vulnerable during evacuation and recovery. This research will develop the first comprehensive artificial intelligence system specifically designed to address hurricane-fueled wildfire dynamics throughout the complete wildfire lifecycle. The project will enhance community resilience by providing emergency managers with predictive tools for fuel accumulation, real-time roadway monitoring during evacuations, and automated infrastructure damage assessment. The research includes workforce training for emergency personnel and community-centered educational programs. The open-source system will be deployable across the hurricane-affected southeastern United States, potentially transforming wildfire risk management for millions of

Key facts

NSF award ID
2536578
Awardee
Florida State University (FL)
SAM.gov UEI
JF2BLNN4PJC3
PI
Yushun Dong
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI), ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, FIRE-Wildland Fire, INTERDISCIPLINARY PROPOSALS, Advanced Manufacturing, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION
Estimated total
$2,322,053
Funds obligated
$2,322,053
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2029