New WWF report on global wildfire monitoring from WWF Germany authored by Marion Stellmes and Helga Kuechly WWF
Cover from report "Fire Data from Space" (WWFGermany)
A new WWF report co-authored by Marion Stellmes and Helga Kuechly (WWF Germany) explores how satellite data is used to track fires globally, and where current approaches fall short. The report also provides a structured overview of key datasets and data portals used in global fire monitoring. Press release: https://www.wwf.de/2026/april/feuerdaten-aus-dem-all
News from Apr 07, 2026
As wildfires intensify across the globe, reliable data is critical for understanding where, when, and how fires occur. But how complete is our picture?
The new analysis “Fire data from space” puboished from WWF Germany, and authored by Marion Stellmes and Helga Kuechly (WWF Germany) examines how satellite-based Earth observation is used to monitor wildfires worldwide. It brings together a structured overview of key datasets and data portals, offering guidance on how different sources can be used—and where their limitations lie.
The analysis shows that while satellite data provides powerful, near-global insights into fire activity, important gaps remain—for example in detecting small fires or in regions with frequent cloud cover.
By making data sources more transparent and comparable, the report aims to support better use of wildfire information in science, conservation, and policy.
Press release: https://www.wwf.de/2026/april/feuerdaten-aus-dem-all
German version: WWF-Feuerkompass-Daten.pdf
English version: WWF-Feuerkompass-Daten-englisch.pdf