Unfamiliar With Weather And Local Factors

Ask questions of local experts! What kinds of questions would you ask?

Does the operational period plan give you adequate weather and information? What kinds of weather forecasts can you get? What other weather or local information do you look for in the shift plan?

Can you get information from resources that have been on the fire? What questions will you ask of the crew that you are replacing?

Is there any other way to obtain information? List common sources of information on weather and local factors. (Examples: Web based weather Activity Planner, Point Forecast Matrix, NOAA Internet Briefing.)  

To reduce risks:

• Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior.
• Post lookouts.
• Establish escape routes and safety zones.
• Take extra caution! Discuss a fire where you relied on information from the local unit (perhaps where your fire knowledge and experience was very different from how they did things – southeast or Alaska).
• Recognize and report visual indicators (clouds, WX obs. (weather observed), cold front passage, inversion breaking).