The Application of a Wildfire Evacuation Tool to Swedish locations

Abstract: WUI-NITY is a computer modelling program for wildfire evacuation simulations. This thesis examines the applicability of WUI-NITY to locations in Sweden. The program was tested at example locations representing the Swedish landscape. The objective of this work was both to examine the application of the model, but also to produce a process by which the model might be applied – highlighting challenges during this process. The refinement of this process required the practical application of the model –identification of issues and necessary user steps. The process was clearly documented from start to finish, which was the basis for the result presented. From the documented process an application protocol was created containing detailed guidance on how the program can be configured for new locations. It includes not only Sweden, but also other countries where WUI-NITY is desired as a wildfire evacuation tool. The application protocol has been used successfully generating output data at new locations as well as influencing the development of future versions of the program. During the process, gaps and errors in the program were discovered as well as problems encountered during the application. Some gaps/problems have been addressed during the course of the process (as part of this project); for example, errors in the WUI-NITY code. Others have been discussed together with relevant literature resulting in suggestions of improvements for further development considering WUI-NITY´s applicability to new locations, but also for general development of the program. Some of the suggested improvements are listed below: • Change the wildfire modelling tool from FARSITE to Prometheus, which will better represent a fire in the Swedish landscape. If WUI-NITY is to be applied in other countries, it is important that a suitable wildfire modelling tool is used. • Create a map for Sweden containing all the necessary data needed to create a .lcp file (or similar if Prometheus is used). Integrate that map into WUI-NITY to eliminate the time-consuming steps required to collect and modify data for the .lcp file. • Integrate live weather and FWI updates into WUI-NITY enabling real-time wildfire simulations with more reliable output data.