Applied Science

By Josh McDaniel

When fire behavior modelers worked closely with incident management teams to provide information critical for accurate long-term planning on a large, complex fire, the result was a real-time integration of science and practice.

Using historical data, SCI calculated expected suppression costs of large fires (more than 300 acres) with similar fire characteristics such as fuel types, fire intensity, topography, region, and values at risk. Actual expenditures on FY 2006 and future large fires will be compared to their expected cost as calculated by the SCI.

FSPro calculates the probability of fire spread from a known perimeter or point; a combination of RERAP and FARSITE. It provides long-term and strategic decision support. The model works by simulating thousands of fires with different weather scenarios using a minimum travel time fire spread method.

RAVAR integrates directly with the FSPro model to identify values threatened by a fire. The structure layer of RAVAR is generated through local county surveys and records. It can also include assessments of non-monetary values such as critical habitat, cultural heritage sites and more.

For more information on WFDSS visit the Web site at wfdss.nwcg.gov or contact Dave Calkin of the Rocky Mountain Research Station at 406 542-4151 or decalkin@fs.fed.us.

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