Integrated decision support model for fuel management and suppression preparedness planning

Bushfire management involves a complex mix of interrelated components including fuel management, fire prevention, fire detection and suppression preparedness planning. Previous wildfire optimisation models have tended to consider these components in isolation from one another. Such models fail to capture the interdependency of system elements and can lead to myopic decision making. We propose an approach that considers both fuel management and suppression preparedness planning within a single optimisation model. The model¿s effectiveness is tested using a series of hypothetical landscapes, with results indicating that an integrated approach to fuel management and suppression preparedness planning can lead to improved coverage outcomes. Model benefits, potential applications, future testing and possible model extensions are also discussed.