The researchers of University of Queensland will undertake a study on predicting, modelling and mapping urbans fires.

Dr. Jonathan Corcoran of UQ's School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management will study the response strategies of fire departments through modelling and mapping emergency service calls. His research is supported by a three-year Australian Research Council Linkage Grant.

"The study would be impossible without the on-going support and collaboration from Queensland Fire & Rescue Service (QFRS)," said Dr Corcoran.

"The research aims to answer whether disadvantaged areas are at an elevated risk of fire, if weather conditions and fire incidence are related, whether the risk of fire is greater on a public holiday or long weekend and whether Australia's smoke alarm policy has affected patterns."

July Newtown of the QFRS expressed its excitement on the agency's involvement with the project as it can give assistance in terms of planning and community education.

"While it does appear that suspicious and hoax fires have a higher density in traditionally disadvantaged neighbourhoods, they also show seasonal variation," Dr Corcoran said.

"Our ongoing research aims to develop and apply advanced mapping techniques to better understand their dynamics."

Outdoor fires occur during dry conditions while residential fires happen during winter time. But it is not established whether rainfall and residential fires are related in any way.

Data shows that fire risk in all types increased during school holidays - with five fires per day, or a 28 per cent increase.

The population of South East Queensland is expected to grow from 2.6 million in 2006 to 4.4 milion by 2031 by 2031. It is predicted that people may be setting up their homes closer to one another, which could spell trouble in the future.

Dr. Corcoran will continue its study on how growth will create an impact on Australia's fire services.

It is the first time that a research is conducted on disaggregated fire incident data to address urban fire issues using geographical strategies.