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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

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

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 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003