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.

Last Modified / Reviewed: April 25, 2024

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

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

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications.

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more.