Depending on the growth stage of grass, certain physiological characteristics, such as water content and degree of curing (senescence), determine the vulnerability of grass to ignite or to propagate a fire.  Grassland curing is an integral component of the Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) and subsequent Fire Danger Ratings (FDR).    In providing input for the FDRs across Victoria, this paper reports the development of two amalgamated products: 1) an automated web-based system that collates grassland curing observations from ~150 sites across Victoria, 2) a satellite-based model, which integrates the field observations with satellite imagery.  Both products combined will provide an improved state-wide map of curing tailored for Victorian grasslands.

During the fire season in Victoria, visual observations of curing are assembled into a well-established grassland curing observation network, whereby observers can enter observations online from the field.  The observations are collated at Country Fire Authority (CFA) Headquarters and utilised by operations as a spatial product for decision support.  The field observations (collated online) will feed into a satellite-based model, using MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite data, which will be received and processed by the Bureau of Meteorology.  This model is derived from a multiple linear relationship between MODIS reflectance values (in the visible and infrared) and visual observations from the field.  Although researchers have found visual observations to be less accurate than the Levy rod method, visual observations have been utilised since the 1980s, and the Levy rod method entails longer sampling time, and it is not feasible for weekly operational use by volunteers.  CFA agreed on visual observations for frequent and consistent sampling of curing throughout the fire season. 

At the conclusion of the project in 2014, the upgraded system (combining both products) will be automated and will be utilised operationally in future fire seasons for Victoria.