Live Fire Map: NASA FIRMS Wildfire Hotspots
Explore active fires worldwide right on this page — NASA FIRMS thermal detections at VIIRS 375m and MODIS 1km resolution, updated daily. No login, no API key.
Fires are one signal. See the previous day’s top world events on the Watchfloor — no login needed.
Quick answer — what this fire map shows
The map above shows NASA FIRMS active fire detections from VIIRS (375m, ~12h latency, NOAA-20 by default, plus NOAA-21) and MODIS (1km, ~1-2 day latency, 2 satellites), served via NASA GIBS WMS — free, no login, no API key, with historical dates back to 2000. For burn-scar mapping (NBR), imagery overlays, and continuous area monitoring, open the full workspace.
5 Satellites
VIIRS on NOAA-20 (default) and NOAA-21 — plus Suomi NPP for dates up to October 31, 2026 — and MODIS on Terra and Aqua for near-continuous global coverage.
Near Real-Time
VIIRS fire detections available within ~12 hours of satellite overpass. Track active wildfires as they develop.
No API Key Required
Displayed via NASA GIBS WMS. No authentication and no token cost for the map on this page.
Sensor Specifications
Available Sensors
VIIRS (Recommended)
375m I-band resolution. Available on NOAA-20 (the default; FIRMS archive from April 2018) and NOAA-21 (FIRMS record from January 2024), and on S-NPP (from 2012) for dates up to October 31, 2026 — NOAA ends S-NPP data distribution on November 1, 2026. Best for detecting smaller fires and recent events.
MODIS (Long-Term Record)
1km resolution from Terra (2000+) and Aqua (2002+). Longest continuous fire record available. Note: ~2-day processing delay for recent dates.
Applications
Wildfire Tracking
Monitor active fire fronts and track daily progression of wildfire events
Deforestation Fires
Detect illegal burning and agricultural fires in tropical forests
Disaster Response
Support evacuation planning and resource allocation during fire emergencies
Insurance & Risk
Assess fire risk exposure and validate wildfire damage claims
Data Sources & Attribution
NASA FIRMS
Fire Information for Resource Management System
Displayed via NASA GIBS (Global Imagery Browse Services) WMS
Citation
"NASA FIRMS VIIRS / MODIS Active Fire Detections"
License: NASA Open Data Policy (free for all uses)
How It Works
Choose Sensor & Date
On the map above, select VIIRS (375m) or MODIS (1km) and pick any date — today back to 2000.
Zoom Into a Region
Fire hotspots appear as colored dots. Red = high confidence, orange = nominal, yellow = low.
Track Progression
Step the date back and forth to follow how a fire front develops day by day.
Go Deeper in the Workspace
Create a free account and the same fires open on the full map, over the area and day you were viewing: put them in context on Sentinel-2 imagery, map burn scars (NBR), and watch an area for new fires on the Watchlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this fire map without an account?▼
What is NASA FIRMS?▼
What is the difference between VIIRS and MODIS?▼
Do I need an API key?▼
How often is fire data updated?▼
What do the confidence levels mean?▼
Can I view historical fire data?▼
Related Resources
Thermal Anomalies
Heat sources far above their usual level, tied to facilities
Learn moreBest Active Fire Maps (2026)
How the free live fire maps compare, by job
Learn moreBurn Severity Mapping (NBR)
Assess post-fire damage
Learn moreSentinel-2 Viewer
Optical imagery for fire scars
Learn moreSentinel-1 SAR
See through smoke & clouds
Learn moreChange Detection
Before & after comparison
Learn moreFIRMS Blog Article
In-depth technical guide
Learn moreZoom Earth Alternative
A live satellite map you can analyze, not just view
Learn moreGo Deeper Than the Dots
See fires in context on the Watchfloor — the previous day’s top world events, no login needed. Or create a free account to work with Sentinel-2 imagery, map burn severity with NBR, and monitor an area.
From headline to satellite evidence
One connected intelligence workflow across four surfaces — free to start, no GIS software or remote-sensing background required.