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CFFDRS: Fire Behavior Prediction FBP System

  1. Introduction
  2. Weather Inputs
  3. FBP Fuel Types
  4. Example Fire Behavior Lookup Table

Introduction

The CFFDRS FBP system is not integrated into the U.S. fire behavior analysis tools, e.g.,  BehavePlus, FARSITE, FlamMap, WFDSS, or IFTDSS. Tools are available to U.S. users via the following:

This flowchart highlights the basic inputs and outputs for the FBP system, demonstrating many similarities to the US tools provided to support fire behavior prediction.

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The Fire Behavior Prediction System. This process flow chart outlines the system inputs, as well as the array of primary fire behavior and secondary fire growth characteristics.

However, there are significant differences. Most important are the way that weather (fuel moisture and wind) and fuel (fuel types) are applied.

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Weather Inputs

The ISI and BUI, drawn from the daily FWI system and adjusted for local conditions, are used directly as wind and fuel moisture inputs in fire behavior calculations. This facilitates the use of RAWS observations in fire behavior estimation.

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FBP Fuel Types

Designed specifically for use in predicting the full range of fire behavior in northern forest ecosystems, there are 18 fuel types among five fuel groups. The classification recognizes coarse vegetative cover and structure types. Each CFFBP Fuel Type integrates the surface and canopy fuel characteristics, providing for evaluation of crown fire initiation and propagation without additional canopy characterizations.

An Excel workbook for comparing fuel types is available for download here.

Conifer Fuel Types

These fuel types represent the most important fire potential throughout the boreal forest. C-2 (spruce) and C-4 (pine) represent extreme potential with active crown fire anticipated under most conditions. C-3, C-5, and C-7 represent more moderate potential with taller trees and higher surface to canopy gaps.

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Conifer fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graph of relative spread rates.

Grass Fuel Types

These two grass fuel types are intended to differentiate between spring grass fuel beds (O-1a after snowmelt and late summer cured grass fuelbeds (O-1b). Their use requires characterization of the curing level in the grasses. They can be used for flammable grass/shrub fuelbeds, though generally require lower curing levels to properly slow spread rates.

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Grass/Openland fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graphs of relative spread rates.

Mixed Wood Fuel Types

Common to the Boreal Forest, these fuel types represent areas where varying combinations of conifers and hardwoods can support a range of crown fire potential ranging from torching trees to active crown fire. Use of these fuel types usually require assumption of the conifer percentage in the canopy fuels.

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Mixedwood fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graphs of relative spread rates.

Deciduous Fuel Types

These fuel types were calibrated to largely pure stands of Trembling Aspen and/or Paper Birch. They may over-estimate potential in northern hardwood stand of the eastern U.S. and underestimate potential in oak dominated central hardwoods of the eastern and central U.S.

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Deciduous fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graph of relative spread rates.

Slash Fuel Types

Calibrated to post-logging fuelbeds with substantial fuel loads, they may or may not effectively represent blowdown areas.

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Slash/Blowdown fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graph of relative spread rates.

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Example Fire Behavior Lookup Table

FBP Lookup tables can be found in the Field Guides (AK, MI, MN) that can be downloaded at the links below or at the top of the section. This example shows that spread rates, flame lengths, and fire type can be determined once the user has identified the fuel type, the ISI, and the BU( or grass curing for open types.

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Fire Behavior Lookup Tables aid system user in the estimation of spread rates, flame length/fire intensity, and the type of fire anticipated.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
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The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal