Ventusky introduces global fire monitoring

The Ventusky app introduces a new global fire-monitoring layer that combines satellite detected hotspots with officially reported fires from firefighting agencies. Users can now track fire activity worldwide in near real-time directly on the map.

Ventusky integrates multiple complementary data sources. Globally, it processes satellite detections from the FIRMS based on NASA’s VIIRS measurements, complemented by observations from the new geostationary MTG (Meteosat Third Generation) and Himawari satellites. These provide very frequent updates, allowing fire activity to be detected in near real-time. In the United States, Australia and Canada, Ventusky also displays officially reported fires from firefighting agencies, giving users access to real incident data and improving reliability compared to satellite detection alone.

Satellite measurements identify thermal anomalies on the Earth’s surface. Because not every anomaly represents a confirmed wildfire, Ventusky evaluates these signals as probable fire hotspots and applies additional criteria to estimate whether they most likely indicate an active fire. This approach provides fast global coverage, including remote regions without official reporting.

By combining near real-time satellite detections with authoritative reported incidents from North America and Australia, Ventusky offers one of the most comprehensive publicly available fire-monitoring solutions, helping users quickly identify where fires are most likely occurring and how the situation is evolving.

Detected fire or hotspots can display detailed information, including:

• estimated affected area


• fire intensity


• exact location and detection time


• fire status and deployed resources


• nearby webcams for visual verification, where available


• wind conditions at the location

By combining fire data with meteorological models, Ventusky helps users better assess both the current situation and the potential development of fires. Weather conditions such as wind, temperature, and precipitation play a key role in ignition risk and fire spread, and Ventusky makes it possible to view these factors together in one interface.

The fire layer is available in the Ventusky mobile app for Android and iOS (after enabling it in settings) as well as on the web in the detail of individual locations (map display is coming soon).