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CFFDRS References

  1. Online Resources
  2. User Guides
  3. Other References

Online Resources

Alaska CFFDRS - access to Alaska specific FWI displays (maps, tables, graphs) and database downloads along with FBP calculator.

Great Lakes CFFDRS - access to Great Lakes specific FWI displays (maps, tables, graphs) and database downloads along with FBP Calculator. NFDRS displays are also available.

FRAMES Online CFFDRS Course and YouTube Video Presentations provide background explanations of the FWI and FBP systems for US users.

REDapp - free, stand-alone FBP software (metric units).

Prometheus - growth simulation.

User Guides

These localized field guides provide desk and fireline references for estimating FWI codes and indices and conducting a fire behavior assessment using the FBP system.

Other References

Andrews, Patricia L., Modeling wind adjustment factor and midflame wind speed for Rothermel’s surface fire spread model. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-266. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2012.

Tables for the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System, Canadian Forestry Service, Forest Technical Report, 1984.

De Groot, W.J., Examples of Fuel Types in the Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction (FBP) System, Forestry Canada, Poster. Forestry Canada Fire Danger Group. 1992.

Development and structure of the Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction System, Science and Sustainable Development Directorate. 

Hirsch, K.G., Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction (FBP) System User's Guide, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre Special Report 7, 1996.

Kidnie, S.M., Wotton, M.M., Droog, W.N., Field Guide for Predicting Fire Behaviour in Ontario’s Tallgrass Prairie, 2010.

Lawson, B.D.; Armitage, O.B., Weather guide for the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System, Nat. Resour. Can., Can. For. Serv., North. For. Cent., 2008.

Tymstra, C.; Bryce, R.W.; Wotton, B.M.; Taylor, S.W.; Armitage, O.B., Development and structure of Prometheus: the Canadian Wildland Fire Growth Simulation Model, Nat. Resour. Can., Can. For. Serv., North. For. Cent., 2010.

Taylor, S.W., Pike, R.G., Alexander, M.E., Field Guide to the Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction (FBP) System, Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, Special Report, 1997.

Van Wagner, C.E., Development and structure of the Canadian Forest Fire Weather Index System, Canadian Forest Service, Ottawa, Ont. Forest Technical Report 35, 1987.

Wotton, B.M.; Alexander, M.E.; Taylor, S.W., Updates and Revisions to the 1992 Canadian Forest Fire Behavior Prediction System, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Great Lakes Forestry Centre,  2009.

Wotton B.M., A grass moisture model for the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System, Fire and Forest Meteorology Symposium, 2009.

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NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee