Skip to main content

CFFDRS: Fire Behavior Prediction FBP System

  1. Introduction
  2. Weather Inputs
  3. FBP Fuel Types
  4. Example Fire Behavior Lookup Table

Introduction

The CFFDRS FBP system is not integrated into the U.S. fire behavior analysis tools, e.g.,  BehavePlus, FARSITE, FlamMap, WFDSS, or IFTDSS. Tools are available to U.S. users via the following:

This flowchart highlights the basic inputs and outputs for the FBP system, demonstrating many similarities to the US tools provided to support fire behavior prediction.

The Fire Behavior Prediction System. This process flow chart outlines the system inputs, as well as the array of primary fire behavior and secondary fire growth characteristics.

However, there are significant differences. Most important are the way that weather (fuel moisture and wind) and fuel (fuel types) are applied.

Return to Top

Weather Inputs

The ISI and BUI, drawn from the daily FWI system and adjusted for local conditions, are used directly as wind and fuel moisture inputs in fire behavior calculations. This facilitates the use of RAWS observations in fire behavior estimation.

Return to Top

FBP Fuel Types

Designed specifically for use in predicting the full range of fire behavior in northern forest ecosystems, there are 18 fuel types among five fuel groups. The classification recognizes coarse vegetative cover and structure types. Each CFFBP Fuel Type integrates the surface and canopy fuel characteristics, providing for evaluation of crown fire initiation and propagation without additional canopy characterizations.

An Excel workbook for comparing fuel types is available for download here.

Conifer Fuel Types

These fuel types represent the most important fire potential throughout the boreal forest. C-2 (spruce) and C-4 (pine) represent extreme potential with active crown fire anticipated under most conditions. C-3, C-5, and C-7 represent more moderate potential with taller trees and higher surface to canopy gaps.

Conifer fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graph of relative spread rates.

Grass Fuel Types

These two grass fuel types are intended to differentiate between spring grass fuel beds (O-1a after snowmelt and late summer cured grass fuelbeds (O-1b). Their use requires characterization of the curing level in the grasses. They can be used for flammable grass/shrub fuelbeds, though generally require lower curing levels to properly slow spread rates.

Grass/Openland fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graphs of relative spread rates.

Mixed Wood Fuel Types

Common to the Boreal Forest, these fuel types represent areas where varying combinations of conifers and hardwoods can support a range of crown fire potential ranging from torching trees to active crown fire. Use of these fuel types usually require assumption of the conifer percentage in the canopy fuels.

Mixedwood fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graphs of relative spread rates.

Deciduous Fuel Types

These fuel types were calibrated to largely pure stands of Trembling Aspen and/or Paper Birch. They may over-estimate potential in northern hardwood stand of the eastern U.S. and underestimate potential in oak dominated central hardwoods of the eastern and central U.S.

Deciduous fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graph of relative spread rates.

Slash Fuel Types

Calibrated to post-logging fuelbeds with substantial fuel loads, they may or may not effectively represent blowdown areas.

Slash/Blowdown fuel type characteristics chart. Descriptions to aid in identification and graph of relative spread rates.

Return to Top

Example Fire Behavior Lookup Table

FBP Lookup tables can be found in the Field Guides (AK, MI, MN) that can be downloaded at the links below or at the top of the section. This example shows that spread rates, flame lengths, and fire type can be determined once the user has identified the fuel type, the ISI, and the BU( or grass curing for open types.

Fire Behavior Lookup Tables aid system user in the estimation of spread rates, flame length/fire intensity, and the type of fire anticipated.

Return to Top

Share on Social Media

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1