Global Change Master Directory (GCMD)

Canadian Wildland Fire Information System - Fire Weather Index

Entry ID: Canada_CFS_CdnWilanFireInfSyFWI

Summary

Abstract: The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System, Fire Weather Index, consists of
six components that account for the effects of fuel moisture and wind on fire
behavior.

The first three components are fuel moisture codes and are numerical
ratings of the moisture content of litter and other fine fuels, the average
moisture content of loosely compacted organic layers of moderate depth, and the
average moisture content of deep, compact organic layers.

The remaining three components are fire behavior indexes which
represent the rate of fire spread, the fuel available for combustion, and the
frontal fire intensity; their values rise as the fire danger increases.

Fine Fuel Moisture Code (FFMC) - The FFMC is a numerical rating of the
moisture content of litter and other cured fine fuels. This code is an
indicator of the relative ease of ignition and flammability of fine fuel.

Duff Moisture Code (DMC) - The DMC is a numerical rating of the
average moisture content of loosely compacted organic layers of moderate depth.
This code gives an indication of fuel consumption in moderate duff layers and
medium-size woody material.

Drought Code (DC) - The DC is a numerical rating of the average
moisture content of deep, compact, organic layers. This code is a useful
indicator of seasonal drought effects on forest fuels, and amount of
smoldering in deep duff layers and large logs.

Initial Spread Index (ISI) - The ISI is a numerical rating of the
expected rate of fire spread. It combines the effects of wind and the FFMC on
rate of spread without the influence of variable quantities of fuel.

Buildup Index (BUI) - The BUI is a numerical rating of the total
amount of fuel available for combustion that combines the DMC and the DC.

Fire Weather Index (FWI) - The FWI is a numerical rating of fire
intensity that combines the ISI and the BUI. It is suitable as a general index
of fire danger throughout the forested areas of Canada.To provide a numerical
rating of relative wildland fire potential on a daily basis, generally from
April to October of each year.
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Related URL

Link: View Related Information

Geographic Coverage

N: 84.0 S: 42.0 E: -52.0 W: -141.0

Data Set Citation

Dataset Creator: Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre
Dataset Title: Canadian Wildland Fire Information System - Fire Weather Index
Dataset Release Place: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Dataset Publisher: Government of Canada, NRC, CFS, Northern Forestry Centre
Online Resource: http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/

Temporal Coverage

Start Date: 1953-01-01

Science Keywords

ATMOSPHERE >WEATHER EVENTS >DROUGHTS    [Definition]

ATMOSPHERE >ATMOSPHERIC TEMPERATURE >SURFACE TEMPERATURE >AIR TEMPERATURE    [Definition]

ATMOSPHERE >ATMOSPHERIC WATER VAPOR >WATER VAPOR INDICATORS >HUMIDITY    [Definition]

ATMOSPHERE >ATMOSPHERIC WATER VAPOR >WATER VAPOR INDICATORS >WATER VAPOR    [Definition]

ATMOSPHERE >ATMOSPHERIC WINDS    [Definition]

ATMOSPHERE >PRECIPITATION    [Definition]

BIOSPHERE >VEGETATION >DECIDUOUS VEGETATION    [Definition]

BIOSPHERE >VEGETATION >FOREST COMPOSITION/VEGETATION STRUCTURE    [Definition]

BIOSPHERE >VEGETATION >LITTER CHARACTERISTICS    [Definition]

BIOSPHERE >ECOLOGICAL DYNAMICS >FIRE ECOLOGY >FIRE DYNAMICS    [Definition]

Access Constraints

No access constraints for information available through the online linkage.
For more detailed information please contact distributor. Proprietary rights
and access/use agreements exist for certain data sources.

Use Constraints

Crown copyright. All such information is provided on an "as is" basis and Canada
makes no representations or warranties respecting the information, either
expressed or implied, arising by law or otherwise, including but not limited to
effectiveness, completeness, accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose.
Canada does not assume any liability in respect of any damage or loss incurred
as a result of the use of the information. In no event shall Canada be liable
in any way for loss of revenue or contract, or any other consequential loss of
any kind resulting from the use of the information.

Keywords

GCMD

Data Set Progress

COMPLETE

Data Center

Northern Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada [Information]
Data Center URL: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/research-centres/nofc/13485

Data Center Personnel

Name: BRYAN LEE
Phone: +01-780-435-7303
Fax: +01-780-435-7359
Email: blee at nofc.forestry.ca
Contact Address:
Northern Forestry Centre
5320 - 122 Street
City: Edmonton
Province or State: Alberta
Postal Code: T6H 3S5
Country: Canada

Data Center Personnel

Name: ROD SUDDABY
Phone: +01-780-435-7246
Fax: +01-780-435-7359
Email: rsuddaby at nrcan.gc.ca
Contact Address:
Northern Forestry Centre
5320 - 122 Street
City: Edmonton
Province or State: Alberta
Postal Code: T6H 3S5
Country: Canada

Distribution

Fees: Gratuit-Free

Personnel

BRYAN LEE
Role: DIF AUTHOR
Phone: +01-780-435-7303
Fax: +01-780-435-7359
Email: blee at nofc.forestry.ca
Contact Address:
Northern Forestry Centre
5320 - 122 Street
City: Edmonton
Province or State: Alberta
Postal Code: T6H 3S5
Country: Canada

BRYAN LEE
Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone: +01-780-435-7303
Fax: +01-780-435-7359
Email: blee at nofc.forestry.ca
Contact Address:
Northern Forestry Centre
5320 - 122 Street
City: Edmonton
Province or State: Alberta
Postal Code: T6H 3S5
Country: Canada

Extended Metadata Properties

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Creation and Review Dates

DIF Creation Date: 2002-07-05

Last DIF Revision Date: 2017-08-23

Future DIF Review Date: 2005-03-20

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