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NFDRS

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What's New

National Weather Service (NWS) 7-day expansion of the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) forecast

From March 2 to May 31, 2020, the NWS will issue experimental seven-day NFDRS forecasts. At the end of this period, a decision will be made whether or not to make the expanded product operational for NFDRS forecasting.

NFDRS2016 Evaluation

Following the development of a draft FDOP, The updated rollout timeline has been extended to allow for evaluation/comparison of the legacy NFDRS outputs with the NFDRS2016 outputs. The intent is to provide field units with the tools needed to evaluate FDOP decision thresholds as a function of NFDRS2016 outputs. Additional resources are available on this website to assist with the transition from the legacy system to ide NFDRS2016.

Pre-Workshop Webinar Components

Fire Danger Operating Plan Examples


NFDRS2016 Rollout Plan (Update)

On July 24, 2019, the NWCG Executive Board approved a proposal from the Fire Danger Subcommittee to update the initial NFDRS2016 Rollout Plan. All units will be fully transitioned to NFDRS2016 by January 2021.

At the September 17th 2014 NWCG Executive Board meeting, three updates to the United States National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) were approved. 

  1. Incorporate the Growing Season Index (GSI) to compute live fuel moistures;
  2. Incorporate the Nelson Model to compute fine dead fuel moisture; and
  3. Reduce the number of fuel models in the NFDRS. 

View a PowerPoint presentation narrated by the Fire Danger Subcommittee Chair Jon Wallace; developed to explain the case for change to the NFDRS.


Background

The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) has offered a consistent interagency decision-support framework since its inception in 1972. The System was first updated in 1978; and again in 1988. Although the original developers intended for periodic improvements to be incorporated as science and technology improved, the System has remained fundamentally unchanged the past 40 years. Today, there is even greater need for state-of-the-art tools to assist the wildland fire community sort through the daunting complexities and conflicting priorities which can confound decision-makers.

In 2013, research scientists from the USDA Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) proposed updates to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Danger Subcommittee. In September 2014, the NWCG Executive Board issued Memorandum 14-018, approving a revision to the US National Fire Danger Rating System. Three significant changes were addressed:

  1. Incorporate the Growing Season Index (GSI) to compute live fuel moisture;
  2. Incorporate the Nelson Model to compute fine dead fuel moisture; and
  3. Reduce the number of fuel models in the NFDRS.

In September 2016, the NWCG Executive Board Issued Memorandum 16-019 providing an update of the transition to the 2016 version of NFDRS; otherwise known as NFDRS2016. The primary objective is to provide a stable NFDRS2016 system along with updates to the Weather Information Management System (WIMS) and FireFamilyPlus (FF+) to assure end-users are comfortable with the new model outputs and associated applications.

NFDRS2016 is a next-generation system which aligns with common interagency goals to use the best available science and technology to provide decision-makers with improved efficiencies, increased accuracy, and a much clearer understanding of the associated risks. Since interagency cooperation and collaboration (at every level) is essential for a successful transition to NFDRS2016, all agencies (State and Federal) with responsibility to make and implement risk-based wildfire management decisions are encouraged to participate in the roll-out process.

This web site has been designed to facilitate education regarding the new science and improve the utilization of NFDRS through the standard interagency applications of the system.

 

The National Fire Danger Rating System is supported by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and monitored through their Fire Danger Sub Committee. All Federal, State and Local wildland fire management agencies are encouraged to work collaboratively with partners in their Dispatch Zones to create and adhere to a Fire Danger Operating Plan.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

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

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2