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PMS 425

PMS 425

PMS 425

NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts PMS 425

1. Introduction

2. Fire Weather Forecast Variables

3. Types of Fire Weather Forecasts

4. Building a Mental Model of the Weather Forecast

1. Introduction

Fire weather forecasts are likely one of the first professional introductions firefighters have to meteorological information. They may even be the first thing a firefighter reads each day when they get to their duty station. Forecasts convey certain atmospheric variables. The intent of this guide is to describe best-practices on how to interpret and use the weather information provided.

Fire weather forecasts include several components:

  • Header information
    • Date and time the forecast is valid for
    • Applicable forecast headline
  • Forecast discussion
  • Mandatory forecast elements of sky/weather
    • Temperature
    • Relative humidity (RH)
    • Wind
  • Optional forecast elements that may include the chance of:
    • Wetting rain
    • Mixing height
    • Transport wind
    • Smoke dispersal
    • Inversion information
    • Haines Index
    • Lightning activity level (LAL)
    • Extended forecast or outlook

Each forecast element is generally given only one value per operational period.

The weather forecast is a static document that may not adequately describe the changes one sees in the weather through an operational period. For example, fire weather forecasts only provide the high temperature for day operational periods and the low temperature for night operational periods. It is left up to the firefighter to interpret how fast and when the temperature will rise and/or fall during their shift. Consistent weather is a firefighter’s friend. It is the change in weather conditions that prove problematic and sometimes fatal to operational resources. This publication provides context and interpretation guidelines for fire managers and fireline personnel to make improved decisions with safety in mind.

There are links to online resources throughout this publication. Visit these resources, as additional information and graphics are often provided. The most frequently linked resource is the Agriculture Handbook 360: Fire Weather… A Guide for Application of Meteorological Information to Forest Fire Control Operations, PMS 425-1. Refer back to it as you learn more about fire weather forecasts.

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Updated NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1 and NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1

Date: July 17, 2024
Contact: Training Delivery Committee 

The Training Delivery Committee (TDC) has updated the NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1 to reflect changes in the standards for course management and delivery. These changes have been reviewed and approved by the members of TDC over the past year. Significant updates include additional delivery methods, updated definitions, and instructions for the use of digital signatures on training certificates. The NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1 has been updated to lock after an electronic signature has been applied.

References:

NWCG Standards for Course Delivery, PMS 901-1

NWCG Training Course Completion Certificate, PMS 921-1

IBC Memo 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use IBC Memo 24-02: Summary of Changes for SIIBM, PMS 902

Date: July 15, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee 

The NWCG Incident Business Committee (IBC) has recently released two memorandums. The first provides direction on the use of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 for the 2024 fire season. Due to delays in hard copy printing, both the 2024 revision and the older version of the Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 are acceptable for use during the 2024 fire season.

The second memorandum documents the updates of the newly revised NWCG Standards for Interagency Incident Business Management (SIIBM), PMS 902. The summary of changes attached to the memo covers the major updates and process changes from the 2022 version.

References:

IBC Memorandum 24-01: OF 297 Signature Order and 2024 Fire Season Use

IBC Memorandum 24-02: Summary of Changes for the NWCG Standards of Interagency Incident Business Management, PMS 902

IBC Memorandum 24-02 Attachment: Summary of Changes

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Date: July 10, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee 

A new publication from the Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee is now available. The NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552 will be used as a guide and as an opportunity to begin to build out Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) modules for the remainder of Fire Year 2024. These standards will be fully implemented as the minimum standard starting in January 2025.

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support outlines the roles, duties, qualifications, and equipment pertinent to REMS. A REMS team, strategically stationed at wildland fires, plays a pivotal role in prioritizing swift access and medical treatment to injured or ill firefighters for safe and efficient egress off the fireline. This ensures their rapid transport to definitive medical care in cases of emergency during firefighting operations, highlighting the invaluable contribution of the REMS team to firefighter safety and well-being.

References:

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2024
Contact: National Interagency Fire Center 

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) would like to recognize July 2, 2024, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2024 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG continues to provide leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated national interagency wildland fire operations.

References:

NWCG.gov

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day