No. NASA FIRMS detects thermal activity from satellites. These heat detections may be associated with wildfires, but they do not necessarily represent confirmed wildfire incidents. They can also come from prescribed burning, agricultural activity, industrial heat or another source.

Yes. A single wildfire can produce multiple satellite heat detections during one or more satellite passes. The number of dots on the map should not be interpreted as the number of separate wildfires.

WildfireSignal checks the NASA FIRMS feed every 10 minutes. However, the newest available observation for a location may be older because satellites pass over different areas at specific times.

Generally, yes. Bushfire is the common Australian term for an uncontrolled vegetation fire. Searchers may use either bushfires or wildfires.

Use the responsible state or territory fire and emergency authority for confirmed incidents, warnings and evacuation instructions. WildfireSignal is designed for situational awareness and should not replace official emergency guidance.