Fire and Environmental Research Applications Team

Fuel Characteristic Classification System Peer Review Panel Process

The Fuel Characteristic Classification System (FCCS) has been through a rigorous peer review process. In the fall of 2005, a panel of international experts in the field of fire behavior was invited to review draft manuscripts of the FCCS -- an overview paper, and papers on the system's library, calculator, and newly-developed fire potentials. The panel was then invited to a face-to-face review with the authors, moderated by Erik Berg, manager of the Joint Fire Science Program. This panel was convened in Seattle, Washington on November 29-30, 2005. Presentations were made by the senior author of each of the 4 manuscripts, followed by a discussion period.

The Panel Review process was above and beyond the normal peer review process required by refereed journals, and complies with General Accounting Office guidance on review of scientific information used in resource management. This is an additional step that enhances the rigor of peer review, solicits input from technical experts in the international scientific community, and ensures that our research products support management and policy action.

Written comments were provided by the reviewers in February 2006, and responses have been completed and are part of the public record. Copies of the manuscripts and reconciliation comments are available.

For more information about this process, please contact David L. Peterson at (206)732-7810, peterson @ fs.fed.us.