Data collected by the satellites utilize an algorithm that exploits the strong emission of mid-infrared radiation from fires and thermal anomalies - these fires and thermal anomalies are shown here as red points. The points represent the center of a pixel within which one or multiple fires have occurred. For the MODIS instrument the point represents the center of a 1km pixel, for the VIIRS instrument the point represents the center of a 375m pixel. Using the eye icon, turn on and off the MODIS and VIIRS Day and Night time fire points to view the differences between the sources.

Find out more in the FIRMS FAQ:

• What does a MODIS active fire detection mean on the ground?
• What is the VIIRS 375 m Active Fire Product?