Incident Management Teams (IMTs) are responsible for managing the response to wildfires. One of the IMT’s objectives is the protection of assets and infrastructure. In this paper we develop a mathematical model to assist IMTs in assigning resources to asset protection activities during escaped wildfires. We present a mixed integer programming model for resource allocation with the aim of protecting the maximum possible total value of assets. The model allows for mixed vehicle types with interchangeable capabilities, with travel times determined by vehicle specific speed and road network information. We define location specific protection requirements in terms of vehicles capabilities. Computational testing shows that realistic sized problems can be solved within a reasonable time. The model capabilities are demonstrated using a hypothetical fire scenario impacting South Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Citation
Van der Merwe, M., Minas, J. P., Ozlen, M., & Hearne, J. W. (2015). A mixed integer programming approach for asset protection during escaped wildfires. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 45(4), 444–451. doi:10.1139/cjfr-2014-0239