September 26, 2025

Florida State University Researchers Secure $2.3 Million Grant for AI Wildfire Management

News Summary

Florida State University has received a $2.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop AI tools for managing wildfires affected by hurricanes. The multi-year project, titled ‘FIRE’, aims to enhance wildfire management in the Florida Panhandle, particularly in the Apalachicola National Forest area. An interdisciplinary team will work on understanding the impact of hurricanes on wildfires while training the next generation of scientists in AI technologies for disaster resilience.

Tallahassee, FL – Florida State University (FSU) researchers have been awarded a significant $2.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop advanced artificial intelligence tools aimed at managing wildfires impacted by hurricanes in the Florida Panhandle. This four-year project, titled “FIRE: An Integrated AI System Tackling the Full Lifecycle of Wildfires in Hurricane-Prone Regions,” represents the largest research award ever received by FSU’s Department of Computer Science.

The project will be directed by Yushun Dong, an assistant professor of computer science at FSU, and will involve an interdisciplinary team that includes computer scientists, fire researchers, engineers, and educators. The focus will be on areas where the Apalachicola National Forest intersects with populated regions, which are particularly vulnerable to the dangers posed by wildfires.

This initiative is crucial as it seeks to understand how hurricanes can influence the behavior of wildfires and develop AI systems for various tasks including forecasting ignition points, predicting road disruptions, and assessing potential wildfire damage. The project aims to enhance the modern approach to prescribed burns, which have been utilized for over 60 years, by integrating these advanced AI technologies.

Funding and Research Goals

The NSF program providing this funding is known as Fire Science Innovations through Research and Education (FIRE), which is designed to promote interdisciplinary advancements in wildfire management. In addition to this latest grant, FSU is also leading two projects funded by the FIRE program.

WeiKuan Yu, chair of the Department of Computer Science at FSU, highlighted the importance of this grant in solidifying FSU’s leadership in applying AI to tackle urgent regional challenges such as wildfire management in hurricane-prone areas.

Educational Initiatives

Alongside the research components, the project also emphasizes education, focusing on workforce development in AI and disaster resilience. This initiative aims to train the next generation of scientists at the intersection of AI technologies and wildfire research.

Importance of Wildfires and Hurricanes

Wildfires, including both low-intensity natural fires and prescribed burns, play a vital role in regulating forests and ecosystems, helping to reduce hazards and improve soil health. However, the aftermath of recurrent hurricanes can lead to an accumulation of trees and debris, complicating wildfire dynamics and increasing risks to community infrastructure.

Understanding the complex relationship between hurricanes and wildfires is crucial for effective planning regarding evacuations and community safety. Research in this area is needed to develop community-centered solutions that address the unique challenges faced in Florida’s wildland-urban interface.

Research Team and Community Collaboration

Yushun Dong’s interest in merging responsible AI with wildfire management deepened after he experienced his first hurricane while residing in Tallahassee. The project also includes Eren Ozguven, an associate professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as a co-principal investigator.

Collaboration with local stakeholders will play an essential role in ensuring that the scientific innovations developed through this project are effectively applied in practice, generating solutions tailored to the specific needs of the communities affected by these challenges.

This groundbreaking undertaking at FSU stands to not only advance the field of wildfire management through the use of AI but also provide valuable insights into enhancing community resilience in the face of climate-related threats.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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