Wild Fire Research Paper

Currently, the National Weather Service issues notices when weather conditions favor the ignition and rapid growth of wildfires. One such notice issued by the NWS is a fire weather watch. A fire weather watch is issued to alert land managers and the public that weather conditions developing in the next 12 to 72 hours could result in critical fire weather conditions. The NWS, in conjunction with land management agencies, also issues Red Flag Warnings. These notices are issued when currently existing weather conditions or conditions expected to develop in the next 24 hours are favorable to rapid fire growth. In addition to alerts issued by the NWS, some communities may also utilize the National Fire Danger Rating System. The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) takes into account a number of factors including fuels, weather, topography, and local risk. Taking into account these factors, fire managers estimate the daily fire danger for a specific area. Consisting of 5 different color-coded levels, the NFDRS functions to clearly inform residents and visitors to a given area of current conditions and help mitigate their actions to reduce

• Intense heat sources, such as lightning, may start fires in duff or dry wood.
• Fires in open, dry grasslands burn easily a few hours after rain.
• Most fires spread slowly, creeping or smoldering.
• Control of fires is generally easy.
Moderate Blue • Fire can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is generally low.
• If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days.
• Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately.
• Average fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot.
• Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easy to control.
High Yellow • Fires can start easily from most accidental