TR10-14 TECHNICAL REPORT: Early Warning and Response to Fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia P. Ceccato, I. Nengah Surati Jaya, J.H. Qian, M.K. Tippett, A.W. Robertson, S. Someshwar Early Warning and Response to Fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia P. Ceccato*, I. Nengah Surati Jaya†, J.H. Qian*, M.K. Tippett*, A.W. Robertson*, S. Someshwar* *International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) The Earth Institute, Columbia University, Lamont Campus 61 Route 9W, Monell Building Palisades, NY 10964-8000 USA Email:
[email protected] † Laboratory of Forest Inventory, Faculty of Forestry, Bogor Agriculture University, Bogor, Java, Indonesia On the web at: http://iri.columbia.edu/publications/id=1037 Abstract Scientists at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) collaborated with Bogor Agriculture University Indonesia to investigate links be- tween climate anomalies and fire hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia. During their investigation, a close relationship between satellite rainfall data and fire hotspot activity was found. Rainfall anomalies during the dry season from June-October were particularly critical in determining fire activity. Vegetation greenness and moisture indices derived from MODIS images, however, did not appear to demon- strate a relationship. These findings were used to develop a prototype online tool that enables stakeholders to view satellite rainfall anomalies and forecast fire ac- tivity in Kalimantan. Potential fire activity can be inferred from these data and steps can be taken early on to prevent or minimize the effects of regional fire oc- currences. Keywords: Fires, Rainfall Anomalies, Climate Forecast, Early Warning 1 Introduction Forest and bush fires have become an increasing problem in Southeast Asia in recent years.