Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Anisotropic Kernel Smoothing For Change-Point Data With An Analysis Of Fire Spread Rate Variability, John Ronald James Thompson

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Wildland fires are natural disturbances that enable the renewal of forests. However, these fires also place public safety and property at risk. Understanding forest fire spread in any region of Canada is critical to promoting forest health, and protecting human life and infrastructure. In 2014, Ontario updated its Wildland Fire Management Strategy, moving away from ``zone-based" decision making to ``appropriate response" decision making. This new strategy calls for an assessment of the risks and benefits of every wildland fire reported in the province. My research places the emphasis on the knowledge and understanding of fire spread rates and their variabilities. …