View NAFI data in Google Earth

KML files allow you to view NAFI data in Google Earth and other compatible map viewers. NAFI publishes its hotspot and burnt area layers as a single KML file. The file covers recent hotspots, current burnt areas, burnt areas by month and year, and fire history back to 2000.  The downloaded file automatically updates with the latest data from NAFI, eliminating the need for repeated downloads.

To download the kml file:

Go to maps page, click on data menu item.

On the sidepanel, click "NAFI Google Earth Data" option from For Google Earth.

access data download sidepanel from menu

Once the popup appears, you can then download the kml file by clicking the "Download NAFI KML File" button.

popup showing download option button

This will download a kml file, as below.

downloaded file appear as nafi_data kml

If you already have Google Earth installed just double-click on the kml file and it will open in Google Earth. If you haven't installed Google Earth, it can be downloaded for free from https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/. You can also install Google Earth Pro on a desktop computer for free. The Pro version has extra tools that, for example, allow you to import and display shape files.

After opening the KML file in Google Earth, expand the "NAFI Burnt Area and Hotspot Data" node to access the data.

google earth showing nafi data

Following list of NAFI layers can be found access via Google Earth:

nafi's layers list as seen on Google Earth
  • Recent Hotspots (4-7 days, 2-4 days, last 2 days)
  • Burnt Areas by Month (Current burnt areas, burnt areas for every year back to 2000)
  • Burnt Areas by Year (Current burnt areas, burnt areas for every year back to 2000)
  • Recent Fire History (2016-2025) (Years burnt, Years burnt after July 31, Year last burnt)
  • Long-term Fire History (2000-2025) (Years burnt, Years burnt after July 31, Year last burnt)
  • Early Fire History (2000-2009) (Years burnt, Years burnt after July 31, Year last burnt)