RAPID Facility: Supporting Immediate and Long-term Research on the Los Angeles Wildfires

In coordination with a UCLA-led multi-institutional research team, the RAPID facility is currently collecting extensive baseline data in the immediate aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires, creating a unique opportunity for longitudinal studies. Our comprehensive documentation of current conditions enables researchers to track recovery trajectories and community transformations over time. We invite researchers to leverage this foundation of baseline data for both immediate investigations and long-term studies.

Our Research Support Infrastructure

• Visual Documentation Tools

  • High-resolution street view imaging systems with geolocation capabilities, enabling immersive documentation of community spaces and systematic tracking of community changes and recovery with time

  • Aerial imaging systems (i.e., "drones") for creating highly detailed, photorealistic, three-dimensional post-fire models of urban environments and mapping neighborhood-scale impacts and recovery patterns

• Environmental and Public Health Monitoring Equipment

  • Advanced imaging systems, including hyperspectral, multispectral, and thermal cameras, capable of identifying different materials and degrees of combustion, detecting contamination, and tracking toxic substances

  • Air quality sensors for monitoring post-fire pollution levels, including particulate matter and toxic substances in affected communities

  • Water quality testing equipment for analyzing contamination in affected areas

• Comprehensive Research Support

  • Expert on-demand training in data collection protocols and equipment usage

  • Secure data storage, management, and archiving via DesignSafe

  • Development of geospatial visualization tools, including DesignSafe Hazmapper

  • Consultation on study design, logistics (e.g., flight planning and site access), and implementation

Current Research Opportunities

The Los Angeles wildfires present critical research opportunities for understanding:

• Public health consequences of the fires

• Environmental exposure assessments

• Community evacuation patterns and decision-making

• Impact of wildfires on vulnerable populations

• Social network disruption and community resilience

• Assess the efficacy of various fire hazard, and risk mitigation strategies

Longitudinal Study Opportunities

Our current baseline data collection efforts create unique opportunities for researchers to:

• Track environmental recovery through repeated imaging and sensing

• Document the evolution of community recovery patterns

• Monitor long-term public health impacts

• Study the transformation of social networks over time

• Assess the effectiveness of different recovery strategies

• Evaluate the long-term resilience of affected communities

How to Access Our Resources

We invite researchers to explore our equipment portfolio and services:

1. Visit our equipment portfolio at uwrapid.org to browse available tools

2. Review our case studies (SASPER, Streetview, Westport)

3. Submit an equipment request through our online system

4. Consult with our experts to develop your research plan

5. Receive training and support for your field mission

Our facility serves NSF and NIH-supported researchers, reconnaissance organizations, and government agencies. We actively encourage interdisciplinary collaborations integrating social science, public health, and engineering perspectives. Contact us at uwrapid@uw.edu to discuss your research support needs. Our team will help you identify the most appropriate tools and develop a comprehensive investigative data collection strategy.