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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

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 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” 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.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal