Mobile Doppler radar investigated as potentially 'life-saving' tool in extreme fire management

As bushfires become increasingly ferocious in Australia, aggravated by climate change, major fire and research bodies from across the country are turning to a well-known piece of technology that they say could be a "life-saving" tool in fire management.

It's a mobile Doppler radar, similar to those used by meteorologists to monitor rainfall.

But instead of picking up on moisture, it uses ash particles, embers and insects to generate a three-dimensional picture of the bushfire smoke plume, giving a view inside the fire like never before.

"I think this has the potential to save lives," Monash University radar expert Peter May said.

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