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The objective of the Fire Weather Program is to provide
meteorological support to wildland fire management agencies for
the protection of life and property. This support includes
warnings, forecasts, on-site services during wildfires, and
meteorological training for fire fighters.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Red Flag Warning - A Red Flag Warning is issued when forecast
weather conditions together with existing environmental
conditions could result in extreme fire behavior or, as in the
case of dry lightning, extensive fire starts within the next 12
hours.
Fire Weather Watch - A Fire Weather Watch is issued when forecast
weather conditions together with existing environmental
conditions may result in extreme fire behavior or, as in the
case of dry lightning, extensive fire starts within the next 12 to 36
hours.
Presuppression Forecast - Issued once or twice daily during the
fire season, this is a narrative forecast of upcoming weather
conditions which is used in planning for suppression of
wildfires.
National Fire Danger Rating Forecasts - Point forecasts issued
for selected observation sites. These forecasts are used as
input for the National Fire Danger Rating System which generates
indexes which are used in determining fire danger for a given
area and to plan for the necessary human and other resources
needed to fight wildfires.
Spot Forecasts - These site specific forecasts are issued at the
request of user agencies. They are generally used for the
planning and safe control of prescribed burns. Spot forecasts
may also be requested by fire managers planning the suppression
of a wildfire.
HOW THE FIRE WEATHER PROGRAM FITS INTO THE NWS MISSION
Weather is one of the most significant factors in determining the
severity of wildland fires. The spread rate and intensity of
fires is directly rated to the wind speed, temperature and
relative humidity. Climatic conditions such as long term drought
also play a major role in the number and intensity of wildfires.
Accurate and timely weather information is vital to the planning
and execution of strategies for suppressing wildfires. An
accurate weather forecast can mean life or death to a fire
fighter and is also critical in protecting forest and range lands
as well as the increasing number of homes in the wildland urban
interface.
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