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PMS 425

NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts, PMS 425

The NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts leverages knowledge gained in S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, and S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior. This publication is designed for firefighters at all experience levels and for early- to mid-career fire weather meteorologists to guide them on the field expectations of their forecasts. Furthermore, the NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts establishes mandatory and optional fire weather forecast variables for Incident Fire Weather Forecasts as produced by Incident Meteorologists (IMETs).

The NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts supplements Agriculture Handbook 360: Fire Weather: A Guide for Application of Meteorological Information to Forest Fire Control Operations, PMS 425-1. Whereas the Agriculture Handbook 360 gives detailed information on fire weather and meteorological processes, this guidebook describes the fire weather forecast itself.

The NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts is developed and maintained by the Fire Weather Subcommittee (FWS), under the direction of the Fire Environment Committee (FENC), an entity of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).  The original content of this publication was developed through the contributions of Darren Clabo, South Dakota State Fire Meteorologist, in coordination with the FWS.

While they may still contain current or useful information, previous editions are obsolete.  The user of this information is responsible for confirming that they have the most up-to-date version.  NWCG is the sole source for the publication.

Comments, questions, and recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate agency program manager assigned to the FWS.  View the complete roster.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Fire Weather Forecast Variables
  3. Types of Fire Weather Forecasts
  4. Building a Mental Model of the Weather Forecast
 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

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Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

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2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

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WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
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Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

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2026 Core Components Module Package

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Date:  March 17, 2026
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NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

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The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
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References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

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