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:
Image
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! 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

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

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