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Fuels: Fuels References

Online Resources

Publications

Anderson, H. E., Aids to Determining Fuel Models for Estimating Fire Behavior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 1982.

Andrews, Patricia L., BehavePlus Fire Modeling System, Version 5.0: Variables, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2009.

Bradshaw, Larry S., Deeming, John E., Burgan, Robert E., Cohen, Jack D., The 1978 National Fire-Danger Rating System: Technical Documentation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 1984.

Burgan, Robert E., Concepts and Interpreted Examples in Advanced Fuel Modeling, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station, 1987.

Keane, Robert E., Garner, Janice L., Schmidt, Kirsten M., Long, Donald G., Menakis, James P., Finney, Mark A., Development of Input Data Layers for the FARSITE Fire Growth Model for the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Complex, USA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 1998.

Keane, R.E, Reinhardt, E.D., Scott, J., Gray, K., Reardon, J., Estimating Forest Canopy Bulk Density Using Six Indirect Methods, NRC Canada,  2005.

Keane, Robert E.; Mincemoyer, Scott A.; Schmidt, Kirsten M.; Long, Donald G.; Garner, Janice L., Mapping vegetation and fuels for fire management on the Gila National Forest Complex, New Mexico, CD-ROM, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2000.

Rothermel, R. C., A mathematical model for predicting fire spread in wildland fuels, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 1972.

Rothermel, R. C., How to predict the spread and intensity of forest and range fires. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-143. Ogden, UT:  U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 1983.

Scott, J.H. and Reinhardt, E.D., Estimating Canopy Fuels in Conifer Forests, Forest Management Today. 62(4), 2002.

Scott, Joe H.; Burgan, Robert E., Standard fire behavior fuel models: a comprehensive set for use with Rothermel’s surface fire spread model, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2005.

Scott, Joe H., Nomographs for estimating surface fire behavior characteristics, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2007.

Stratton, Richard D., Guidebook on LANDFIRE fuels data acquisition, critique, modification, maintenance, and model calibration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2009.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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 

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