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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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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

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

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

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