Presence on the ground
For one week (from August 19 to August 25, 2025), theVOST Portugal – Association of Digital Volunteers in Emergency Situations was present at the Command Post of Front V of the Piódão fire, installed inSaint Vincent of Beira.
Initially, the team was activated to support the Sector Charlie. With the subsequent change of Command Post of the Fifth Front of ANEPC for the same location, VOST Portugal began to provide support to all four sectors of this front.
Technology in decision support
VOST’s contribution focused on providing information from open sources, meteogram analysis, analysis of the evolution of the situation in the area of interest of the fire based on a new energy detection algorithm which is in the development phase, and in the production of fire spread simulations based on the Harmonie model, using the VERA platform.
Power Detection Algorithm (FRP)
This system is a prototype that uses FCI data from the EUMETSAT MeTeoSat Third Generation satellite to monitor fires. The website, data collection from the EUMETSAT server, and the fire identification algorithm were developed in collaboration between Ronan Paugam (CERTEC-UPC) and Akli Benali (ISA), with support from a NERO COST Action STSM grant. VOST Portugal is hosting this innovative solution, sponsored by PT-Servidor, which once again offered its support with completely free infrastructure.
The algorithm analyses images collected every 10 minutes by Meteosat Third Generation satellite, and calculates the Fire Radiative Power (FRP).
In the Piódão fire, the algorithm proved to be a highly reliable and useful tool for field operations, having detected reactivations that had not yet been identified by operators.
Operating results
The practical application of this system has proven to be fundamental for:
- Detect new fire outbreaks before they are visible on the ground;
- Identify reactivations in areas already under intervention;
- Reinforce the situational awareness of sectoral commands;
- Support strategic decisions in fire fighting scenarios.
Fire Propagation Simulation (VERA)
The VERA system allows for simulations using various propagation models, taking into account current weather conditions, terrain orography, and critical infrastructure—when present and up-to-date—in the area. Simulations conducted on the VERA platform have helped decision-makers define strategies and predict fire progression.
FireWatch
VOST Portugal developed the FireWatch platform, which allows for the creation of a historical catalog of photos shared in open sources, with precise geolocation, for fires in Portugal. In the case of the Piódão fire, this platform provided decision-makers with more information about the fire’s evolution in various parts of the country.
PyroCast
Based on the current protocol between ANEPC and VOST Portugal, this decision-support platform was developed by VOST PT based on code developed by Marcelo Catalão (FEPC) and models from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia and UTAD, supervised by Akli Benali. This project was overseen by Alexandre Penha, ANEPC’s National Operations Deputy.
- Potential Energy of a Fire
- Fire Line Intensity
- Propagation Speed
This decision support platform was developed to assist in the analysis and monitoring of wildfire risks, providing advanced data analysis and visualization tools to support Civil Protection operational decisions.
FireStatus
To support VOST Portugal’s social media team, a bot was developed for Discord—the platform where VOST Portugal has had its operational center since its inception. This bot provides a variety of information about the fires in Portugal, facilitating the dissemination of official information on VOSTPT’s social media channels.
Technology at the service of communities
VOST Portugal’s mission is clear: to combine cutting-edge technology with the strength of digital volunteering, creating innovative solutions that support civil protection and other entities involved, and increase the resilience of communities.
The Piódão fire demonstrated, once again, the importance of placing collaborative intelligence at the service of those fighting on the ground.
Acknowledgments
To all the VOSTies who worked 24/7 on this activation since the fire started, collecting images from social media, liaising with Waze teams, and supporting those on the ground: you are extraordinary!
We would like to thank the Sub-Regional Commanders of Emergency and Civil Protection David Lobato and Rui Conchinha, and their tireless teams, for the way they welcomed us and integrated us into the command post; the 2nd Sub-Regional Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection José Neves for sharing his vast experience on the ground; Commander Tiago Neto of the Castelo Branco Volunteer Fire Department for all the support provided; and the Municipal Civil Protection Services of Castelo Branco (Amândio Nunes, Rui Palrinhas, Gonçalo Missa) for all their care.
To the staff at the Milá restaurant in São Vicente da Beira, a big thank you for the biscuit cake.