Transcript:
NOAA satellites have been monitoring significant wildfire activity that erupted across the western U.S. in June 2026 and continue to burn.
The fires rapidly spread, fueled by critically hot, dry conditions and unusually high winds.
The Cottonwood Fire in Utah is one of the most destructive in the state’s history and the largest fire currently burning in the country.
As of July 1, the Cottonwood Fire has burned more than 93,000 acres.
Fires across Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico also saw explosive growth.
NOAA satellites are tracking the blazes and providing critical information for firefighting efforts and public safety.
GOES-18 (GOES West) monitors fire conditions in real time.
The satellite is measuring fire intensity, tracking the spread, and monitoring the movement of smoke as events unfold.
NOAA’s Next Generation Fire System’s new wildfire tool relies on GOES data.
The system uses artificial intelligence to scan satellite imagery and quickly detect fires to help prioritize firefighting efforts.
The JPSS satellites are capturing high-resolution imagery of the fires and associated smoke.
They also provide enhanced nighttime fire detection.
NOAA satellite data contributes to models that help forecast the movement of smoke up to 24 hours in advance.
Together, NOAA satellites give forecasters, firefighters and local officials a complete picture of what’s happening on the ground.
As fires rage, NOAA satellites will be there, providing essential information to help keep communities safe.
Credits:
NOAA, NASA, the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA)
Music:
Title: A Twinkle In The Matrix
Composers: Amon Turner, Eben Stone, Joe Kora
Publishers: Freshworx Music Limited [PRS] 100%
Album: Oxygenate The idea
Catalog: FRX086
Track number: FRX086-19
Labels: Freshworx
German Label Code: LC 78182
ISRC: UK-QUJ-23-01020