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

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Florida State University (FL) · $2,322,053

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2536578

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2536578, FIRE: An Integrated AI System Tackling the Full Life Cycle of Wildfires in Hurricane Prone Regions. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2536578. Licensed CC0.

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