Skip to main content

Fuel Moisture Sampling

  1. Online Fuel Moisture Sampling History
  2. Fuel Moisture Sampling Procedures

Online Fuel Moisture Sampling History

Fuel moisture sampling can provide useful insight to current conditions if it is done consistently throughout each fire season. Results from sampling efforts around the United States are stored in the National Fuel Moisture Database. Results for sampling history of both live and dead fuels are available for locations around the United States.

Return to Top

Fuel Moisture Sampling Procedures

General Guidelines

  • Record site name, date, time, observer name, observed weather, general site description.
  • DO NOT collect samples if water drops or dew are present on samples.
  • Keep samples in a cool and dry location.
  • Seal containers with tape that will not leave residue.

Live Fuel Samples

  • Only collect foliage or needles and very small twigs remove flowers, seeds, nuts, or berries.
  • Pack containers loosely to avoid spillage but ensure container is full.
  • Include stems of herbaceous plants.
  • Replace lid on container immediately after collecting sample.

Dead Fuel Samples

  • Samples should not be attached to live trees or shrubs.
  • Avoid decayed samples that crumble or splinter when rubbed.
  • Collect samples from several different plants.
  • Ensure container is full or about 20 grams.
  • Do not collect buried samples.
  • Pick samples of different size within the time lag class.
  • Recently fallen material should be avoided.
  • Remove all lichen, moss, and very loose bark from sample.

Duff and Soil Samples

  • Remove all soil and live tree or plant roots from sample.
  • Avoid any soil particles in duff samples and vice versa.

Litter Samples

  • Collect only uncompacted dry litter from both sunny and shady areas.

Handling and Measuring Samples

  • Preheat drying oven between 60°C (140°F) – 100°C (212°F). Be sure to note temp used.
  • Place sample cans with closed lids on scale and record wet weights.
  • Remove lid just prior to placing in oven. If material is lost, re-weigh sample
  • Dry sample for 24 hours (very wet samples 48 hours).
  • Replace Lids immediately after sample is removed from oven and weigh
  • Calculate fuel moisture using worksheet provided here:
Fuel moisture sampling and estimation. This table provides means for tracking sample weights and calculating gravimetric fuel moisture.

Return to Top

Share on Social Media

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

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