Researchers at the Australian National University are developing a satellite concept to assess the flammability of eucalypt forests, ABC News Australia reports. The OzFuel project uses infrared sensing to identify leaf characteristics linked with how readily vegetation burns.

The technology has been tested in the laboratory, but a preliminary satellite mission still requires investment. Researchers hope more detailed measurements could improve bushfire planning; the proposed system is not yet an operational warning service.

Source: ABC News Australia — read the original report.