WA’s bushfire information systems winners at IT awards

Landgate's FireWatch Pro and MyFireWatch were announced the winners of the 2014 Regional Category at the Western Australian Information Technology & Telecommunications Alliance (WAiTTA) INCITE Awards ceremony held in Perth on Friday 20 June.

FireWatch Pro is the second generation of Landgate's original FireWatch program and is Australia's premier online bushfire information system. FireWatch is nationally and internationally recognised for delivering satellite-derived fire hotspot information to the State's emergency services and regional and remote communities for more than 25 years.

MyFireWatch is the result of a project partnership between Landgate and Edith Cowan University (ECU), partly funded by the Australian Research Council. It is a user-friendly version of FireWatch Pro developed specifically for people living, visiting and travelling in the northern regions of the State.

Landgate Chief Executive Mike Bradford said the Western Australian government and community should be proud of the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. 

"FireWatch Pro and MyFirewatch are examples of Landgate's focus on developing innovative, technologically advanced online information systems. These systems utilise the experience of WA's professional and volunteer emergency services and many years of research by ECU to meet the need of local communities," Mr Bradford said.

"Landgate recognises that different communities have different wants and needs for bushfire information services, and by partnering with ECU, we have redesigned the delivery of high quality bushfire location information offered through the original FireWatch."

Edith Cowan University, Professor of Communications, Lelia Green said, "It has been a pleasure and a privilege for ECU researchers to work with Landgate's FireWatch team and the people of Kununurra in developing the prototype of the MyFireWatch service for everyday community use."

FireWatch Pro and MyFireWatch are part of the suite of emergency services products, including Australia's first bushfire simulation program, 'Aurora', which provide a holistic view of how bushfire information is disseminated to WA's citizens and assists the operational needs at the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Landgate is Western Australia's primary source of land information and geographic data, providing the accuracy Government, business and individuals rely on.