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Surface Fire: Effective Windspeed EWS

EWS integrates the effect of winds and slope on a surface fire behavior estimate based on the fuel model the fire is expected to be burning in. These tables produce the resulting EWS when winds are blowing upslope.

For downslope and cross-slope winds, use the zero (0) mph row in the Midflame Windspeed (MFWS) column to estimate the Slope Equivalent Windspeed. It can be used as the MFWS in the lookup tables to produce slope vector fire behavior estimates for use in the Vectoring Fire Behavior section.

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Effective Windspeed Adjustment Table. Use this series of tables to estimate windspeed when wind is blowing upslope. Factors include midflame windspeed, and slope. Using a midflame windspeed of zero (0) and the appropriate slope will allow user to estimate the slope equivalent windspeed.

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NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
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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.

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S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

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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.

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Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
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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.

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