Evacuation Planning – Trigger Point Modeling
Bintel’s Trigger Point modeling calculates how long it will take a fire to reach a value-at-risk, hence the trigger for a resident to evacuate safely. Traditional fire behavior techniques model fire moving away from a pre-determined point of ignition, while Bintel’s modeling starts away from an evacuation route and calculates how long the fire will take to reach the road from any potential ignition point on the landscape. This produces a map of the time that responders have to save lives and property.
"Emergency responders face many decisions in fighting a wildfire, but three import-
ant questions arise when formulating evacuation orders: who is at risk, how long will it
take to evacuate, and how much time is available? These questions are often addressed
together using a concept called an evacuation trigger point. A trigger point is an agreed-
upon landmark whereby an evacuation is recommended if an advancing fire crosses
this point. Roads, ridgelines, and rivers make good trigger points, but any prominent
landscape feature will suffice."
Thomas Cova et al, Setting Wildfire Evacuation Trigger Points Using Fire Spread Modeling and GIS 2017
Offered as an option the Bintel CWPP, this analysis can be very helpful in identifying areas along evacuation routes that are susceptible to rapid fire impingement. Once this is identified, appropriate fuels reduction or other mitigation can be prescribed. This analysis in conjunction with traditional fire behavior 
(a standard component of our CWPP services) can pinpoint areas where heat and smoke are most likely to impact the road. Adjustments to route planning and or alternative routes can then be established to avoid the most critical areas.
We're very excited to offer Trigger Point Modeling to our CWPP solutions. As the WUI becomes more crowded in areas with a myriad of access routes, this planning, updated frequently, is critical for firefighter and resident safety. This technology with better communications tools for residents can save lives when the fire hits.
If you have questions or comments about your area and how to improve your community's wildfire planning, please contact us anytime.
